Ballymun needs a new plan

A LOCAL councillor has called on the Government to initiate a process in Ballymun similar to one that was adopted for the North Inner City to address the area’s growing social problems.

Cllr Paul McAuliffe (FF) made his call after a meeting of local stakeholders and various frontline community groups in Ballymun last week. It was also attended by Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader, Dara Calleary, the party’s Spokesperson on Children, Anne Rabbitte, and its Spokesperson for Health, Stephen Donnelly.

Commenting after the meeting, Cllr McAuliffe claimed that local residents were hesitant to highlight any social problems in the area because they are fearful of drawing negative media interest.

“Ballymun is a wonderful place to live and there is so much fantastic work happening in our community, week in, week out, but there has been a definite increase in the activities associated with drug dealing and this has left people feeling both frustrated and unsafe,” he said. “We have to address the root causes of these issues before they escalate any further.

Cllr McAuliffe added it was his belief that replicating the four key areas of the Mulvey Report for the North Inner City could have worthwhile potential for Ballymun. 

“Attempting to tackle crime and drugs by maximising education and employment opportunities and integrating social services could help improve the situation at the moment,” he continued. “Of course, that would require buy-in from Government to provide an urgent increase in the level of funding allocated to the Local Drugs Taskforce, an increase in the provision of youth and after school services and a greater, more visible Garda presence.

“It would be beneficial also for the Taoiseach to meet with community groups in the area to get to grips with the situation and take the appropriate action across a number of departments.”