People shocked at the rise in open drug use in housing estates
By Aimee Walsh
A RISE in open drug use and dealing has become an issue of concern for residents of Bawnogue and Cherrywood areas of Clondalkin.
Councillor Francis Timmons requested a motion to write to Department of Justice and the Local Garda Superintendent at The Clondalkin Area Committee Meeting on January 20, after several concerned residents contacted him in relation to the problem.
Rise of open drug dealing in the Bawnogue area
Cllr Timmons told The Echo, “This is an issue that has been going on for a long time. The issue has now moved further into Bawnogue shops and around Cherrywood.
“It is bringing a criminal element into the housing estates, that otherwise have been very settled and quiet.
“People are shocked about the whole thing. The residents have had enough, and they are so sick of it at this stage.
“People are very concerned for their children and about their safety. There is cars that fly in and out to sell drugs and they have no regard for children on the road.”
Alongside open drug use and dealing, anti-social behaviour has become an issue amongst teenagers in the areas. Concerned residents have posted online, pleading for something to be done to keep their community safe.
One frustrated resident said “The Bawnogue area is really getting worse. I know there’s junkies going around the area, but to be honest it’s the teens and even young kids that I am most terrified of, you don’t know what they’re going to do next and they’re always up to no good”.
Cllr Timmons added that he believes decriminalising drug use could help to solve the issue of open drug use and dealing.
“We need to get perspective on things. If we decriminalise drug use we can begin to look at the root of what is causing it.
“Some of these people need professional medical help and they don’t need people criticising them. We do not know the reason why they are doing this. But at the same time, we cannot allow a culture where we can allow open heavy drug use.
“In Cherrywood, you can see them very openly waiting for drugs, and it is devastating to see. It is shocking how acceptable it has become, it has become the norm. I am going to keep raising this issue until we see progress, there are too many concerns”, Cllr Timmons told The Echo.
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