Pocket gardens are helping to tackle local litter blackspots

BALLYMUN is fighting back against the scourge of illegal dumping with an innovative initiative that’s bringing a bit of brightness to local communities.

Seven areas targeted by anti-social dumping and littering have been transformed into ‘pocket’ gardens that are becoming mini-havens of biodiversity and greenery.

The pocket gardens are at Belclare Crescent, Orchard Park, Coultry Crescent/Shanliss Way, Sallowood View Carton Drive, Sillogue Gardens and Knowth Court.

The idea is that as the gardens bloom, they’re less likely to be targeted by littering and dumping.

Dublin City Council secured funding for the project from the Department of Environment and it was co-funded by the council’s North West Area Office in Ballymun.

“Local residents were fully engaged in all projects,” a council spokesperson said.

“The principles of bio-diversity informed our work, and was emphasised throughout the project.

“Our aim was to change people’s attitude to their neighbourhood and their tolerance of illegal dumping, engage them in looking after the area in which they live, and improve the level of reporting of illegal dumping; all of which we feel was achieved.

“The added bonus has been the huge improvement in community spirit and the willingness of people to engage in their community.”

Local councillor Noeleen Reilly (IND) attended the launch of the project on behalf of the Lord Mayor and said she welcomed its success.

“Like every area we have a number of blackspots that are regularly covered in illegal dumping and litter,” she added.

“Residents from Knowth Court, Belclare Crescent, Orchard Park, Sallowood, Our Lady’s Nursery, Coultry Crescent, Shanliss Way and Carton Drive came out in support of the imitative and worked hard  to completely transform their areas.

“Sharon Harvey was appointed by Dublin City Council and herself and the residents need to be commended for all their hard work.

“There was a real focus on biodiversity and sustainable plans and one of the great positives of the work done has been that there has been virtually no illegal dumping at these spots since.

“It is definitely a programme that needs to be rolled out and I will be looking for additional funding in 2019 for more areas in Ballymun and Finglas to be completed.”