At the February Area Committee Meeting councillors for Lucan, Palmerstown and North Clondalkin supported a call for a high level task force to tackle ongoing issues in Balgaddy. This came following discussions between councillors and the local community about the need for action in the area. Some of the ongoing issues in Balgaddy include maintenance of housing, lack of youth and community services and the lack of DEIS status for the schools in the area.
Cllr Madeleine Johansson said: “The unanimous support from councillors for a high level task force is welcome. However, we have to ensure that this task force is action focused. In the past the council refused to take responsibility for the poor quality housing in the area and blamed tenants for problems with damp and mould. I welcome commitments made by the council recently to improve the area through the planned maintenance programme. Residents and elected representatives need to continue to put pressure on the council to make sure these things happen as soon as possible.”
Gino Kenny TD added: “I have been working with people in Balgaddy for a long time on a number of issues. The council housing estates in the area have some of the highest levels of poverty and deprivation in the country. It is a disgrace that the schools in the area have not been given DEIS status. The designation of DEIS status would give the schools additional funding to help tackle issues related to poverty and would significantly improve supports for children and young people. There is a significant need for facilities and services for young people in Balgaddy. The existing Youth Services are stretched to capacity and require urgent funding and improved facilities. If we are serious about tackling the issues of crime and drugs we must start by providing alternatives for our young people.”
