The new Rising

FINGLAS locals are being urged to rise up and join together in a battle against recent planning decisions that residents fear will create mini ghettos in the area.

An action group founded in the wake of a decision to build 40 modular homes for the homeless at St Helena’s Drive, close to popular GAA club Erin’s Isle, claims there are a number of other questionable developments for social housing in the pipeline.

The Finglas Action Group says it has no problem with providing accommodation for the homeless in the area, or social housing units, but members are calling for developments to provide a mix of housing types on suitable sites.

The group has held two protests so far, with more planned over the coming weeks, and members say they’re prepared to prevent builders moving in to build modular homes in the area unless their concerns are addressed.

ocals have expressed fears that those living in the modular homes may be stigmatised. Others are worried that the stigmatisation could become even more serious in the future as development of the units is being carried out through a framework that allows for them to be used to house refugees.

Former city councillor John Redmond claims the action group now has the support of a number of local residents’ associations in the area.

“It’s a make-or-break time for residents’ groups around Finglas,” he said. “This is important. We are looking for young people to get involved in the community.

“I welcome people to new homes in Finglas with open arms but we need a social mix and Dublin City Council seem to be bending the planning rules.”

The group has been angered by the council’s recent decision to sell an entire housing estate of 49 houses to a housing trust that provides homes to those on the council’s waiting list.

The estate, at Farnham Drive, between Erin’s Isle and Einn Eber Fort and known as An Riasc, was originally intended for a mix of public and private housing and deposits on homes had been paid by a number of locals.

There are fears more local developments will be sold to housing trusts while sites at Scribblestown and Tolka Valley are already earmarked for social housing.

The Finglas Action Group is considering taking legal advice to see if planning laws are being breached. However, members are prepared to take action if their concerns aren’t addressed and have targeted the modular homes site at St Helena’s for protests.

“If it comes to it, that site is going to be blocked,” warned Redmod.