Workers attacked and valuables stolen by gangs of youths in Tallaght estates

By Mary Dennehy

MAINTENANCE crews working on behalf of the council will pull out of Tallaght estates if they continue to be targeted by gangs of youths, after workers had stones hurled at them and their valuables stolen in two separate incidents this week.

On Wednesday, a contracted crew working on behalf of South Dublin County Council in Glenshane was attacked by a number of youths who got out of cars and hurled stones at workers.

Today, the same crew was repairing gullies in Rossfield when their van was broken into and their wallets, phones and other valuables taken.

The contracted company is in Tallaght repairing gullies on the council’s behalf.

However, according to the council’s roads department, these repairs “will cease if things don’t change”.

The council has today contacted councillors in an attempt to raise awareness around the problem and to spread the message locally that vital maintenance work in communities will cease if this type of behaviour continues.

Tallaght Central Fianna Fail councillor Charlie O’ Connor told The Echo: “These contractors are in estates doing work for the community and what happened yesterday and today is absolutely disgraceful.

“These crews are doing works that benefits the community and it’s disgraceful that a very small minority could jeopardise this work being completed.

“It also jeopardises future maintenance work as the council will not be able to get crews to work in estates if they are being targeted in this way.

“There is a small few involved in this behaviour but it will impact on the entire community if it does not stop.”

He added: “This is a law and order issue and falls under the remit of the gardai, who I hope are in a position to take effective action.”

Gardai at Tallaght were called out in connection to both incidents.

Anybody with information on the recent events or who witnesses anti-social behaviour is encouraged to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 6666000.