Tallaght TD Seán Crowe has expressed disappointment at a reply he received from Tesco Management regarding his request for them to review and resume household deliveries to a number of estates in Tallaght. The firm in a reply to the Deputy has said in order to protect the safety of staff and customers and as a direct result of anti-social behaviour they have taken the business decision not to resume deliveries in a number of estates but would keep this decision under review. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “A horrific attack on a Tesco van driver back in April (involving a pellet that was allegedly fired at a driver) resulted in household grocery deliveries being suspended to number of estates in Tallaght. This action while understandable following attacks has caused huge difficulties for older or less physically able members of the community or residents without access to a car.
“Having been approached recently by a number of these residents I wrote to Tesco Management to see if they would consider resuming deliveries. The reply was a negative which is extremely disappointing for residents. While I recognise there is ongoing policing challenges in some areas this is in my opinion giving in to a minority of criminal elements and making the wider community and the most vulnerable suffer. The residents impacted by this decision deserve better as do delivery drivers going into any Tallaght estate. “I was hoping that Tesco’s would be show some flexibility after this length of time and I suggested that they might consider making deliveries early in the morning or during daylight hours but this suggestion has also been ruled out by Tesco management. “There is clearly a lack of confidence by Tesco Management in the ability of Garda Authorities to police certain estates. I am also concerned with the very real possibility that other suppliers will take a similar approach
“In response to this I have asked Senior Garda in Tallaght to liaise with them and see if can they be persuaded to return to carrying out deliveries in safety to all areas of my constituency. “I believe a proven template does exist for tackling many of these incidents. Local residents working together with youth groups the Local Authority, public representatives, local leaders and the Garda Authorities can reduce and resolve many of these incidents but needs imagination and a more proactive approach.
