Cabra artists brighten Broombridge

MEMBERS of the Cabra 4 Youth Street Art Group have been widely praised after beautifully spray-painting fencing panels at Broombridge Railway Station.

The panels along the station platforms have been given a facelift by the young artists aged 16-19 and now feature quotes and imagery encouraging positive health and recreation choices for young people.

It’s all part of the latest phase of a community partnership involving the Gardaí, residential groups, youth organisations and Irish Rail, which has resulted in significant improvements in and around the station as well as a reduction in anti-social behaviour.

The station has had a issue with anti-social behaviour for a number of years but in recent months a programme of initiatives, funded by the National Transport Authority, has helped tackle the problem.

The measures have included improved CCTV, public lighting and seating at the station. There’s also been increased Garda monitoring, which has led to the successful prosecutions of offenders.

The station has also benefited from new facilities on the station property for the local kayaking club and environmental improvements through gardening and planting on a waste ground area.

The latest improvement from the Cabra 4 Youth artists will further enhance what had become something of an eyesore for both local residents and commuters.

“The project has been a great opportunity, not only to challenge how young people use the station but also to explore what messages they wish to portray for everyone who uses and passes through the station,

? said Philip Möll, Youth Justice Worker with Cabra 4 Youth.

“Their work has included quotes, encouragement of more positive choices in health and recreation and positive imagery.

“It was agreed with Iarnród Ã?ireann that we could use the metal panels within the fencing that run the length of the platform, and because of the number of panels it’s hoped we’ll be able to continue with other groups in the future

?.

Minister for Transport and Dublin Central TD, Paschal Donohoe (FG), praised the work of the local artists during an official visit to the station last week.

“Ensuring that our young people have positive outlets and a means of expressing themselves is key to facilitating them in making the right choices,

? he said.

“This initiative will allow a positive message to be sent out about the pride Broombridge takes in ensuring that anti-social behaviour is tackled.

?

Co-ordinator of Cabra Community Policing Forum, Niall Counihan, explained how the community together is working to improve their local station.

“The onsite forum meeting held at Broombridge Station highlighted the value of partnership approach, which includes all stakeholders, can have,

? he said.

“The fact that this meeting was attended by Iarnrod Eireann CEO, David Franks, senior Gardaí, DIT Management, local youth services, local CDP, local residents, elected councillors and Oireachtas members means that with the sustained efforts of all, Broombridge could be transformed into a station to be appreciated and used by residents of the entire area, indeed an increase in footfall has already been observed since the process began.

?

Tom Ayres, District Manager for Iarnród �ireann admitted that Broombridge has been an area that suffers from problems such as vandalism and trespass.

“However, it is an important transport link for the local community, and we were delighted to work with the local community to develop these initiatives,

? he said.

“While we have by no means eliminated the problem of anti-social behaviour, the success to date and the engagement from young people is extremely encouraging, and we will continue these efforts.

?