DUBLIN City Council has been criticised for erecting
unsightly railings around a housing complex it is refurbishing on the
Northside.
However, the council said that many of the units at
the maisonettes on Bunratty Road, Coolock, are empty and have been the subject
of anti-social behaviour on several occasions.
Artane Whitehall ward councillor Larry O’Toole (SF)
contacted the council after receiving several complaints about the issue.
“It is not good enough and wouldn’t be tolerated in
other areas of the city,
? he argued.
“Neither residents or councillors were consulted about
these ugly and unsightly railings.
“I do appreciate that it was necessary to secure the
buildings because of the ongoing serious vandalism in and around the vacant
premises.
“Hopefully, work will commence in the near future on
the refurbishment of the maisonettes.
“But in the meantime something better and more
pleasing to the eye than these rusty and ugly looking railings should be
erected.
?
Cllr O’Toole added:
“I think the people who live in
and visit the area deserve better than this.
?
A spokesman for Dublin City Council said that following
the success of phase one of the Bunratty Refurbishment Scheme phase two is
expected to begin in April.
“It will result in further units being refurbished to
a very high standard,
? he told Northside People.
As a result of the planned refurbishment many of the
units are empty and have been the subject of vandalism and anti social
behaviour on several occasions.
“Such acts of vandalism have included arson, the
removal of copper tanks and the removal of lead from roofs.
“As such, it was considered critical in terms of the
safety of both other local residents and the units that they be secured in so
far as is possible.
?
The spokesman added that the most effective method of
securing the units was through fencing.
“However, we will look at whether improvements can be
effected to the appearance of this fencing,
? he added.
“We are always appreciative of feedback from residents
who show such pride in their area and will continue to work with them to
minimise the impact of both anti-social behaviour and the impact of the future
building works.