This week The Echo put a number of questions to South Dublin County Council about MacUilliam and the concerns of residents
By Mary Dennehy
IN ITS reply to The Echo about the concerns of residents in MacUilliam, the council confirmed that it is working on a new countywide Anti-Social Behaviour strategy - which is currently being drafted and under consideration by elected members for approval.
Once approved, the policy will be published on the council’s website and available in their civic offices, local libraries and clinics.
In relation to MacUilliam, the council said that the area currently has a dedicated Anti-Social Officer, Estate Management Officer and Community Development Worker assigned to deal with issues raised by residents.
According to the council, all new tenants allocated a council property, meet with an Estate Management Officer during the tenancy signing-up process.
“At this meeting the tenant is made aware of the council’s policy on Anti-Social Behaviour and information in relation to the reporting process is also provided,” the council said.
“The vast majority of these dwellings [in MacUilliam] are occupied by law abiding tenants and their families, it is accepted that only small numbers of persons are involved in anti-social behavior.
“The council believes that the establishment of tenant associations and the involvement of tenants in housing management, encourages ‘a sense of community and pride in estates and discourages anti-social activity’.
“Tenant associations can also play an active role in preventing anti-social behaviour in their area by helping to ensure that activities of this type are reported to the local authority and the Gardai, establishing initiatives to prevent these activities from occurring in their area,” the council said.
“Therefore, encouraging the development of and liaising with tenant groups is central to a strategic approach to preventing anti-social behaviour.
“Residents who wish to establish a tenant association should contact the council for advice and support.”
Currently reviewing the installation of a further CCTV camera
The council, which currently has two CCTV cameras in the MacUilliam estate, is currently reviewing the installation of a further CCTV camera to deter antisocial behaviour, especially in the vicinity of the multi-use games area/playground which has been damaged on a number of occasions in the past.
MacUilliam has been assigned two community police by Tallaght Garda Station, with football and rugby lessons organised last summer by gardai to help build connections with the area’s younger people.
According to the council, it treats all complaints in confidence. Residents can call Estate Management Unit on 4149000, email cccounter@sdublincoco.ie or Freephone 1800 200 246.
Clinics are also held in community centres in Brookfield, Killinarden, Jobstown and Fettercairn.
