Anger over disused site

LOCAL residents in Dublin 15 have demanded action on a site that has been disused for many years along the Old Corduff Road.

The residents have expressed a number of concerns over the site because they believe it is becoming a black spot for illegal dumping, which is attracting a high number of rodents in the area.

Local man Pat Farrell said homeowners are terrified to leave their windows open for long periods of time in case rats venture into their homes.

“The site hasn’t been used for a long time,

? he explained.

“People are dumping their litter into it and rats are becoming a huge problem.

?

He added:

“There’s also the worry that children in the estate could enter the site because it’s so easily accessible. It’s very concerning. We’ve been petitioning in the neighbourhood in the hope of having the land converted into something that can be used for public use, such as allotments or a park.

?

Mr Farrell said the petition has already received dozens of signatures but added that he still has to visit over 200 homes in a nearby housing estate in a bid to get more support.

Local TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) said he is also working with residents to gather signatures for the petition which will be submitted to Fingal County Council.

“The location is an attraction for illegal dumping and residents have reported seeing rats there,

? he said.

“This is totally unacceptable and it is imperative that the foot dragging on this issue stops and proceedings be instigated to declare the site derelict.

?

He added:

“As well as organising a petition I raised the matter directly with the council at a recent meeting of the Safer Blanchardstown Forum in Corduff along with residents living in the vicinity. The key thing is to stress that this has been going on far too long.

?

He stated that some residents would like to see the site being put to community use by having it converted into a community garden.

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said ownership of the site was dissolved in November of last year and NAMA now controls the site.

According to the spokesperson, the council has recently served a notice to NAMA under the Derelict Sites Act 1990.

“The next step from the council will be to re-inspect the site and if works have not been carried out to render site non-derelict, then the site will be entered onto the derelict sites register,

? the spokesperson said.