Heritage plans may assist in anti-social behaviour problem

By Maurice Garvey 

SOUTH Dublin County Council hope plans for a heritage project at St Cuthbert’s Church in Clondalkin, will assist in combating anti-social behaviour in the surrounding area and park.

Council chiefs also hope “increasing passive surveillance” after the site is cleaned up, will make the park “less threatening for the normal park user.”

At the recent Clondalkin area meeting, Labour councillor Breeda Bonner called on the Chief Executive to put interdepartmental supports in place for the project.

In response, a council spokesperson said: “The council’s heritage officer has met with councillors to discuss potential heritage projects at St Cuthbert’s.

“This developed into another meeting recently on site with Cllr Bonner and some representatives from local community and heritage groups.

“The primary objective is to encourage a more positive use of the church and graveyard site by the communities surrounding the park.

“It is hoped that a heritage project in the church site would assist with the overall anti-social behaviour issues in the park.

“It is hoped that increasing passive surveillance through the church site after it is cleaned up and made less threatening for the normal park user will help to reduce the use of the site for more anti-social purposes.

“SDCC plan to engage an archaeologist to assist with the nuts and bolts of the project.

“Bearing in mind the protected status of the site, any issues of maintenance to the structure itself will also require the involvement of the council’s architectural conservation officer,” said the council spokesperson.