Council cooperation with gardaí is paying off in Ballymun

Béibhinn Thorsch

A LOCAL councillor has called for continued cooperation between Dublin City Council and gardaí after new figures showed a small rise in the number of complaints about anti-social behaviour in Ballymun.

A four percent increase in complaints was revealed at a recent North West Area Committee meeting, during which it also emerged that there had been a rise in the number of surrendered tenancies in the area.

Figures comparing January to August of 2018 against this year show that surrendered tenancies increased from one to seven. 

The number of anti-social complaints rose from 116 in 2018 to 162 in 2019.

Commenting on the figures, Independent councillor for area, Noeleen Reilly, said that in the last two years, Ballymun residents felt there had been an increase in anti-social behaviour. 

Cllr Reilly believes the cause of problem is related to drug use and drug dealing.

Last year, Setanta GAA Club and Ballymun Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force (BLDATF) published open letters highlighting a significant growth in crack cocaine use and activity related with drug dealing.

“The council has been working very closely with the gardaí for the best part of this year,” said Cllr Reilly. 

“This work has resulted in a number of properties being raided, where a considerable amount of drugs and weapons were found.”

Cllr Reilly claimed that some young people are being groomed by more serious criminals in the area and are taking part in open drug dealing on the streets.

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said its staff always works closely with gardaí on anti-social problems, including complaints and reports about drug activity relating to local authority properties throughout the city and not just in the Ballymun area. 

The council said that while this can lead to dwellings being surrendered, the actual numbers are quite low.

The spokesperson added: “Because of the sensitivity and complexity of such working, we are not prepared to comment any further on this area.”

Cllr Reilly believes that the joint approach taken by gardaí and the city council is delivering results and said she hopes it continues.

“Those affected by these issues are living in misery and they’re afraid to say anything,” she added.

Cllr Reilly noted that it can be difficult to evict suspected offenders from a council property.

“They need to be convicted in a court of law to be evicted,” she stated. 

“This process can take years and there’s no guarantee.”