DUE to cost cutting measures at Dublin City Council,
only graffiti fulfilling a certain criteria will be removed from buildings across
the city, Northside People has learned.
Up until now, graffiti of almost every kind was
removed from buildings but that has now changed as a result of a reduced
funding allocation to the council’s waste management section.
As per a new council guideline, only graffiti that is
deemed political, racist or offensive will be removed.
“Dublin City Council’s Waste Management Section
allocated a very limited budget to each of the five city council areas for
graffiti removal for 2012,
? a spokesperson for the council told Northside
People.
“Unlike previous years, where we were in a position to
remove graffiti of almost any kind, we are now confined to removing graffiti
that is deemed to be
“political, racist or offensive
?.
“By this we mean graffiti content that incites hatred
or violence, is racially motivated, has sexual connotations or foul language
and/or is aimed at members of the Garda Siochana or threatening to members of
the public.
?
The new policy came to light when representatives from
Fairview Residents’ Association contacted the council with photographic
examples of graffiti they want removed.
Tim Mason, secretary of Fairview Residents’
Association, said the area is looking increasingly neglected as a result of
unsightly graffiti.
“Fairview is one of the main arteries into the city
and it is showing the signs of neglect because of the rising level of
graffiti,
? he told Northside People.
“Traditionally you would have seen graffiti in back
lanes but now it’s on the main street in full view of everyone who travels
through the area.
“It’s outside St Joseph’s School and because it’s just
a tagging of names it will not be removed by the council.
“I would worry about the kind of message that’s
sending out to children. They are likely to think it’s acceptable and okay to
deface a wall if graffiti is widespread and not removed.
?
Mr Mason believes there needs to be a coordinated
approach to tackle graffiti from local businesses, residents and the council.
“I don’t think that residents should have to clean
graffiti off their property that they didn’t create but I do feel that we can
play our part in tackling the problem,
? he added.
“Currently there isn’t enough of a deterrent to
prevent graffiti and that needs to change.
?
Clontarf ward councillor Damian O’Farrell (Ind)
criticised the city council’s decision.
“I am aghast that Dublin City Council are no
longer removing all types of graffiti but only certain kinds that falls within
a narrow remit,
? he stated.
“Graffiti is a scourge in our city and in another 12
months the capital will be destroyed.
“It is well known that early removal of graffiti
prevents further occurrence.
?
Cllr O’Farrell added:
“We know funds are tight but
removal of graffiti is essential to help maintain pride in communities and
prevent urban decay.
?