Balgaddy is being ‘left behind’, say local residents

Balgaddy residents in south Dublin feel “left behind”, according to local Sinn Fein TDs.

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin and Deputy Mark Ward conducted a door-to-door survey in September 2022 where they asked tenants about their personal experiences with their homes, community, and South Dublin County Council.

The survey also consisted of questions about anti-social behaviour, intimidation, drug dealing, and vandalism in the area.

“Balgaddy is a community that has been left behind,” said Deputy Ward.

“The community is in dire need of more funding, more investment in maintenance and housing.

“The people of Balgaddy have been forgotten about by the parties in government and the council. Residents need action from those in power to make change.

“We are calling on the council, elected councillors, TDs, and the government to act. “

Deputy Ward says that 67 percent of responders reported issues with dampness and mould in their homes while 63 percent reported issues about windows, doors and leaking.

“The reports found in this survey are a damming indictment on the inaction of the organisations responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of Balgaddy as a community,” Deputy Ward says.

“Despite the tireless efforts by the community at large and local groups nothing can be achieved until the council and government give the necessary supports to help the people of Balgaddy.

”76 percent of people who responded to our survey have said they have seen no improvement in SDCC repairs in the last year.”

Deputy Ó Broin said the neighbourhood needs a “total regeneration.”

“The announcement of 69 new homes and a community centre being built is welcome news.

“We must stress that the mistakes of the past must not be repeated.

“The community centre must be adequate for the extra needs of the people of Balgaddy and must be built as soon as possible.

“A comprehensive maintenance plan with the appropriate budget to tackle all the complaints of Balgaddy residents is required.”

Regarding criminal and anti-social behaviour, 74 percent of people who responded said they witnessed open drug dealing while 43 percent experienced intimidation.

Overall, 62 percent of people have had issues with anti-social behaviour and 60 percent witnessed or experienced vandalism.

“One positive note is that when we conducted a survey 10 years ago, 55 percent rated the Garda performance as poor were as this has dropped to 39 percent,” Deputy Ó Broin said.

“Ronanstown Garda station is large enough for more gardaí.

“A higher garda presence is required in Balgaddy and this is only possible through hiring more Gardaí.

“A Community Safety Forum needs to be set up including all the stakeholders from the area to address the issues raised.

“This must include the local community and senior management from South Dublin County Council, youth services and the Gardaí and they must meet monthly.”