Residents demand laneway closure

RESIDENTS in Donnycarney are calling for a laneway to be closed off due to anti-social behaviour.

According to Cllr Damian O’Farrell (Ind), who is supporting the residents, Dublin City Council has started a statutory process to extinguish a public right-of-way.

Cllr O’Farrell and the residents made a request to the city council to get the laneway to the rear of 80/118 Collins Avenue West and 25/59 Collins Park closed off.

“The decision whether or not to extinguish a public right-of-way eventually comes down to a vote by Dublin City Councillors,

? said Cllr O’Farrell.

“Residents usually then gate the laneways at their own expense.

“Northside residents are becoming increasing active in trying to gate laneways to the rear and sides of their homes.

“This is because of increasing levels of anti-social behaviour, house break-ins and illegal dumping.

?

Cllr O’Farrell said there was no doubt that levels of anti-social behaviour significantly diminish once a laneway is gated.

“The number of residents’ groups around the city attempting to gate their laneways is accelerating,

? he added.

A local resident, who did not wish to be named, said they never really had any trouble up until approximately two years ago.

“The anti-social behaviour is getting worse,

? she told Northside People.

“The laneway needs to be gated, and if I thought we could get the problem sorted out, I would pay my share along with the other residents.

“Most of the lanes around the area have gates and they make a big difference.

?

The resident added:

“Older people are scared in their own homes and that’s not right. Closing this lane would give people peace of mind.

?