Supervisor job cuts give rise to fears of play spaces vandalism
By Maurice Garvey
SUPERVISORS at a Tallaght play space lost their jobs a number of weeks ago – leading to fears that the amenity will be vandalised in the weeks ahead.
South Dublin County Council pulled local partnership funding for the Jobstown Road play space, as they do not have the “financial provision” after committing to open 60 play spaces across the county.
AAA Councillor Brian Leech says the decision to cut four supervisor jobs “goes against all you are supposed to do for deprived areas” and fears that the unmanned play space will be “wrecked.”
Cllr Leech said: “It was the only supervised play space left in the area, and one that was used by community groups JADD, Jobstown Community Centre, An Turas, residents from Russell Square and Bawnlea.
“It’s not just the four jobs. They were experienced in dealing with children. There was anti-bullying, and anti-racism workshops, a prefab with first aid. It was a safe environment to learn.”
He continued: “It was never vandalised and is a fantastic facility – set up as part of an urban initiative. The amount of money is negligible. It will go like the rest of the play spaces. Pulling funding goes against Rapid planning for the area. I would like to see a reverse of funding.”
A spokesperson for South Dublin County Council said: “It is not the intention of SDCC to close the Jobstown playground.
The council did over a number of years support the local partnership company financially to employ these workers, but such a financial provision for one playground was not sustainable in the future, having regard to the committed investment into playgrounds in the county which is a concerted effort to meet need. Jobstown will be open as all other playgrounds in the county.”
Read more: Hidden homelessness sees 10 people crammed into one small Tallaght house – Click HERE…
Read more: Tragic deaths abroad of two Firhouse men – Click HERE…
Read more: Alleged rape in Clondalkin still being investigated – Click HERE…
Read more: Struggling families given food parcels in Ballyfermot – Click HERE…
Read more: Staff and guests united in plea for lifting of B&B ban – Click HERE..
