Residents too frightened to report anti-social incidents
By Aura McMenamin
Issues with anti-social behaviour persist in the estate of MacUlliam in West Tallaght, with residents complaining that residents who report incidents are ‘intimidated’.
According to the Residents Association that attended a meeting with council staff and councillors, burglaries, graffiti, abandoned cars and speeding are all constant factors for people living in the estate.
A spokesperson for the residents said: “In 2003, an initiative for Tallaght West to be a safe and healthy place was put in place. The plan to provide 700 units as a mix of both public and private housing was adopted along with provision of community amenities.
“Due to the economic downturn the project came to a standstill with 380 units in the area and South Dublin County Council owning the majority. At present there are 28 infill units being constructed. In 2008, An Cosán and Barnardos completed a needs assessment of the area and the same issues are still there: anti-social behaviour, racism, a need for speed ramps and incidents of illegal dumping.”
A representative from the Housing, Social & Community Development department said there are a number of initiatives in the area, including a fortnightly clinic. He had been attending the clinics over the past 18 months and only two residents had been present.
Residents in the estate reported being too afraid to report incidents of anti-social behaviour at clinics organised by the council. They also said that some perpetrators ‘taunted’ victims of crime that nothing would be done.
The Anti-Social unit was informed that people felt there would be repercussions if they were seen attending these clinics, so they moved the clinic to nearby estate, Ard Mor, but this has not improved the number of people attending. Leaflet drops were done by the Anti-Social unit to inform residents of the change.
One woman, who formed part of the deputation group made up of residents, said illegal dumping was a constant issue. She said: “Residents are cleaning the playground on a daily basis so kids can play in the area.”
She stated that materials from home refurbishments, including baths and showers, were being dumped. She added: “There are also blockages to pipes due to residents dumping oil down shores.”
There was also the issue of abandoned cars. One man from the deputation group said that there are a number of abandoned vehicles in the estate.
“If people see them parked there for a number of weeks/months they break into the vehicles and joy-ride them around the estate. They then park them on the green area and burn them out.”
The man added that people were hesitant to tell people at work or at social events that they were from MacUlliam due to the area’s bad reputation.
Sinn Féin councillor Cathal King said he was at an event where children from MacUilliam were afraid to say where they came from and that he found this ‘heartbreaking’.
Speaking to The Echo this week, Cllr Leech said: “The area would benefit from a community day. It needs civic pride. It’s only one per cent who are doing this.”
