Poppintree laneways to be refurbished after years of neglect

Laneways connecting houses and streets in the Popppintree area of Ballymun are set to be refurbished after years of neglect and dereliction.

Built in the 1970s, the neighbourhood was developed with courtyard-style housing in mind, designed to allow permeability and easy access through the area with open laneways.

However, these laneways were “gated due to anti-social behaviour and are now mostly derelict with limited access for services with the laneway,” says Fianna Fail TD Paul McAuliffe.

Through the Public Service Innovation Fund, launched by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, €30,000 has been allocated to refurb the laneways and reclaim the space for communal use.

Community groups, local agencies and Dublin City Council will be working in collaboration on the project to deliberate how the laneways should be salvaged.

“The funding will be used for contractors and materials to work alongside the community in designing a space that will enhance the area and enable reclamation of the laneway into a useful public space,” says Deputy McAuliffe.

“Dublin City Council will be working closely with local residents and I look forward to seeing the results” he said.

“Local Independent councillor Noeleen Reilly has also been calling for the clean-up of the laneways.

The laneways have long been a source of frustration in the community because they can often attract a lot of dumping and they had to be all closed off due to anti-social behaviour,” she says.

“It’s such a waste of space and can often leave a poor image of the area.”

Earlier this year Reilly tabled a motion to a North West Area Committee meeting calling on the laneways to be converted into communal spaces with a community garden.

The motion was passed unanimously.

“The community for years has asked could they use the space for a community garden and I think that would be idea.

“It certainly needs to be done on a trial basis and in consultation as not all residents will want the laneways open.

“But it’s hugely positive for the courts and will certainly brighter up the place.”