New manager for Cherry Orchard will make a massive difference to area
By Maurice Garvey
CHERRY Orchard is set to get it's own Dublin City Council Area Manager – a move that is welcomed by local representatives and community workers.
Both Dublin City Council and gardai have cited the area as a “high priority” in the last year due to high levels of anti-social behaviour.
Sinn Fein Councillor Daithi Doolan believes the move will make massive difference to the area going forward.
Cllr Doolan said: “At the recent senior policing forum – the tragic quad bike accident was discussed. Gardai are trying to introduce legislation and have agreed to action. Non-engagement is not acceptable. It’s at a juncture now, where either something is done or it dies on a vine.
“We need a coordinator to initiate a long-term plan and that’s something the council agreed with. This isn’t a housing manager the area will be getting, it’s someone with experience in recreational community prorgrammes.
“It will work well for the community, giving residents a direct line to the local authority. When it comes to developing the local area plan, the community will be able to exercise their muscle.”
Catherine Lane, a Community Development Coordinator with Ballyfermot-Chapelizod Partnership, is also a member of the Cherry Orchard Restorative Forum.
The forum was established last year as a solution-focused group to local issues, featuring key stakeholders and residents in the community.
Ms Lane welcomed the imminent role of a specific area manager for Cherry Orchard.
She said: “It will be positive to have someone from Dublin City Council that can help with the follow up on local issues. Someone designated for Cherry Orchard will be good for the decision making in the area.”
The Restorative Forum meet once a month in the Bungalow and are always seeking new members to improve their community-mix.
“For 2016 we are trying to engage more residents, and engage young people. Everyone has a responsibility to take responsibility and take action. It’s different to the usual forums.”
The Cherry Orchard Restorative Forum meet next on January 21, at 11am in the Bungalow, and all local residents or people working in the area, are welcome to attend.
Members of the forum are scheduled to host a local community festival in June.
Dublin City Council did not respond to The Echo at the time of going to print.
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