Tallaght residents call on council to ramp up more joyriding deterrents

By Mary Dennehy

RESIDENTS living in Glenshane believe they are being given a bumpy ride by South Dublin County Council due to the absence of adequate ramps to deter the growing issue of speeding and joyriding in their estate.

A letter, which was seen by The Echo, has been sent to Tallaght councillors in an attempt to secure new speed ramps as a matter of urgency.

According to residents: “[This letter] is an urgent appeal regarding the situation of joyriders and the general speeding by motorists around the Glenshane estate.

“Joyriding was happening once a month, but now it seems to be happening two or three times a week.

“Around the Glenshane Park area some drivers have no regard and are speeding in and out of the area and flying over ramps as if they are not there.

“It’s only a matter of time before someone is killed.”

According to residents, lamp posts and parked cars have been hit by speeding vehicles, with joyriders also ramming the gates to the local park in an attempt to gain entry.

Residents have also criticised the length of time it took the council to remove a car that was left burned out over the St Patrick’s weekend.

When contacted By The Echo on Wednesday, the council said that the burned out car reported on March 18 had since being removed – and is one of six cars removed from Glenshane in March alone.

The council said it also removed a car reported as “abandoned” from GlenshaneDale as it was causing an obstruction. 

“Glenshane really isn’t the worst place to live and this issue can be easily resolved by having a look at the speed ramps in the area, which might as well just be white paint on the road as they do not encourage people to slow down”, the letter concluded.

When contacted by The Echo, local Sinn Féin councillor Louise Dunne said that she was not aware of the issues being experienced by residents in Glenshane.

However, she said local councillors would be willing to consult with residents.

“Recently we consulted with residents in Rossfield and got traffic calming measures introduced and chicanes,” Cllr Dunne said.

“Speed ramps don’t work for joyriders, no matter how high they are.

“They don’t slow down for ramps, which is why we looked at chicanes for Rossfield.

“I live in the area and see people flying around in robbed cars, and ramps do not slow them down.

“They fly over ramps with no regard for children or pedestrians.”

She added: “I would be willing to meet with residents in Glenshane to see what options could be available to them and help find a solution.”

The council said that a meeting was held with residents and estate management on March 24 and on Wednesday, March 29, to deal with issues.