It is estimated that the cost of removing graffiti will almost double in 2024 according to councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh. The councillor is calling for tougher measures and penalties for those bent on mindlessly spray painting our public spaces.
Cllr Ó Brádaigh said “In 2023 South Dublin County Council spent €71,000 on graffiti removal and it is estimated that this cost will almost double this year. Most of it was removed from public buildings, parks and play areas, council managed shop car parks and residential areas. As one example, when the new Airlie Park opened in Lucan, there was graffiti daubed all over the playground within the first 24 hours. More action needs to be taken and Gardaí need to be better resourced in terms of community policing.
Ó Brádaigh added “Like others, I am constantly submitting requests to the Council to remove newly emerging graffiti. The Council do their best and such is the problem that they must prioritise removing the ‘most offensive’ graffiti first. But perhaps we need to tackle the problem differently. The street art projects are just one way that could be expanded upon.
The Councillor said“In my time as a Councillor, I have called for community mural projects that I believe help to celebrate and recognise artistic young people and indeed the shared communities they live. Neutral community space is wanting in so many of our many communities, including areas of large scale new development such as west Lucan, and it is these very forums that could offer outlets for youths to develop their ambitions in a way that actually rewards them and benefits the community.
Cllr Ó Brádaigh stated “A provision of €131,500 has been made for the removal of graffiti in Budget 2024. The Public Realm section has for some years been working in partnership with the probation services to enhance the response to graffiti. The engagement with the probation services stems from a Community Service Graffiti Removal Project which was an initiative of the probation services and forms part of community service for offenders and is very welcome. We need to further support and develop these initiatives going forward.”
