Community tormented by vandals

LOCALS are hoping the installation of security cameras will put an end to persistent anti-social behaviour that is tormenting a Northside community.

The area directly outside Poppintree Early Education Centre, on Balbutcher Lane in Ballymun, has become a popular hangout for a number of teenagers engaging in destructive and dangerous behaviour.

Stolen wheelie bins had regularly been brought to the exterior walls of the crèche and set alight by drunken youths intent on destruction.

On many mornings staff, parents and young children attending the crèche had to sidestep smoking debris to reach the door of the popular community facility.

One mother told Northside People how the situation was taking its toll on locals.

“The gangs used to just hang around the crèche at the weekend but then it became most evenings as well,

? she explained.

“At its worst, just before the cameras were installed, they lit a fire outside the doors of the crèche at 6pm on a weekday evening.

“The next morning the poor kids going to the crèche would have to walk around all the damage and their clothes would be stinking of smoke.

“It’s was beyond disgraceful; it was unbelievable what was going on.

?

Nóirín Coughlan, chairperson of the Poppintree Early Education Centre, said she was happy that measures had been taken to address the anti-social problem.

“We always ensured that a quality service continued on a daily basis in our centre and that there was a safe haven inside for our children and staff.

?

Hugh Kilbride, manager of Poppintree Community Centre, which is attached to the Early Education Centre, described the anti-social behaviour as

“out of control

?.

“It was just crazy what was going on there,

? he told Northside People.

“What was even worse and harder to understand was that the youths responsible for the damage were from the area. It wasn’t as if they were coming out of the city centre to hang around Poppintree and start fires.

“This was their own community facility which was being damaged and affected by their behaviour and it is the responsibility of all local residents to play their part to tackle this problem.

?

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council confirmed it was aware of the ongoing problem at the rear of the premises on Balbutcher Lane.

“Most of it is occurring just outside of the boundary of the complex which is close to the Early Education Centre entrance,

? she told Northside People.

“In recent times a number of wheelie bins were stolen and set on fire at this location.

“Unfortunately the area in question was not covered by any CCTV and is also off the main road out of general view.

“Considerable damage was done to the building over a period of time.

“We have regularly discussed this with the gardai and continue to do so.

“As of Friday, March 1, new and additional cameras have been installed and we hope this will help ease the situation.

“A new work programme commenced on March 13 to repair the damage that was done to the walls.

?

A meeting between representatives from Dublin City Council and the gardai was held two weeks ago to discuss how best to progress a potential solution.

“This will also have to involve the local community, as a solution is not possible without their help,

? the spokesperson concluded.