Increase of vandalism in housing estate unacceptable

By Laura Lyne

CALLS to stop a growing outbreak of vandalism in the Cherry Orchard-Croftwood area have been made, after a vacant council house and residential homes were attacked in the latest round of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The latest outbreak has seen walls destroyed by stolen cars and a vacant house vandalised with enough damage caused to delay the occupation of the house.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan has called for the anti-social behaviour to stop, and has asked to work with local residents, gardaí and the youth of the area to tackle the problem.

Speaking to The Echo, Cllr Doolan said: “The recent spate of vandalism in Croftwood is unacceptable. It is wrong and should immediately stop.

“A council house recently vacated by the tenant has been totally wrecked. This means it will take even longer to move a family in and it will cost a lot more to fix up.

“Meanwhile, other residents had their garden wall knocked down at the weekend.

“I have since been onto Dublin City Council demanding immediate action to repair this terrible damage.

“But in the longer term, we need to work together with residents, Gardaí and young people to ensure this activity stops as soon as possible.”

It is not the first time that residents have been terrorised by anti-social behaviour in the Croftwood area, with previous reports in The Echo highlighting the issues that have arisen.

Last July, residents underwent a “chaotic” week which saw reports of shots being fired, feuding gangs, cars being attacked and set on fire, bus routes diverted and a vacant house vandalised.

A fatal crash between two scrambler bikes also occurred on the nearby Cherry Orchard Avenue last Christmas, with 16-year-old Warren Kenny pronounced dead after being rushed to St James’s Hospital following the tragic accident on Christmas morning.

Warren’s death left the community of Cherry Orchard and the greater Ballyfermot area in shock, with local representatives saying that the community was left “devastated” by the tragedy.