Councillor condemns damage following lane closure

A NORTHSIDE councillor has accused those responsible of partially damaging a wall at Charlie’s Lane, located between Mellowes Park and Cappagh Road, of potentially delaying further projects in their area.

Cllr Paul McAuliffe (FF) proposed a motion to Dublin City Council in June to commence works to close off the lane due to constant complaints about vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

The motion was passed and a wall was erected to block the lane on June 19.

However, the wall was criminally damaged soon after it was built, resulting in a large part of it being knocked down.

Cllr McAuliffe said he felt the need to request that the lane be blocked as it was developing into a litter dumping ground and a target for vandalism.

He claimed it had the cost the council an estimated

?¬100,000 in the past decade to maintain the laneway as a direct result of frequent damage caused by vandals.

He said that prior to the lane being closed he sought a local arrangement whereby the school warden could unlock the laneway at school opening and closing times.

However, Dublin City Council denied this request, as it is not possible to partially extinguish a right-of-way.

Cllr McAuliffe said:

“Weighing up the pros and cons, I felt there was no other choice but to proceed with the closure of the laneway which has been a dumping ground and a target for vandalism for too long.

“The demolition of the wall will only cost the council more money, which takes resources away from other projects. People engaged in this kind of activity obviously don’t care about our area or the people living in it.

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In an environment report carried out by Dublin City Council last year, it was noted how Charlie’s Lane continued to attract anti-social activities, vandalism and endless dumping.

Complaints were made at almost every meeting of the Finglas Safety Forum and residents had indicated they wanted it permanently closed.

It was outlined how the public lamps in the laneway were extensively damaged and the council was forced to carry out repairs on a regular basis. Between 2007-2011

?¬3,540 was spent repairing lights.

The council said the process of closing the lane was delayed due to numerous objections from some local people who used it for access to the local shop and primary school.