A Fianna Fail candidate in Ballyfermot, Dublin is calling for investment in capital projects to help combat anti-social behaviour and public disorder in Dublin 12.

It comes after a recent rise in unrest, with public spaces becoming "no-go areas" for fear of intimidation or altercation, according to Eoin Neylon.

The additional Community Policing supports and appointment of a permanent Garda Superintendent can only have a meaningful impact "if the historic under-investment in our locality is reversed", he commented.

Mr Neylon explained: "Our community is already left without very many community, sports or youth facilities in comparison to other suburbs of the city.

-- Advertisement --

"The majority of clubs and services that do exist operate on a voluntary basis and are led by privately fundraised money. They have had no alternative in the absence of any Government support.

"Gardaí alone cannot combat the escalation in anti-social behaviour that has been terrorising our community as of late. Yet sadly our district continues to lose essential Youth Workers and to the point that we now have just six covering a population of roughly 80,000- solid proof that Fine Gael have no interest in the future prospects of those with a Dublin 12 postcode."

Mr Neylon suggested the following steps as beneficial in addressing the area's problems:

• reopening the Pitch and Putt at Lansdowne Valley Park as a mixed golf/footgolf course

• developing a West Dublin Historical Cycle Route as a local alternative to the NTA's proposed project

• reclaiming Pearse Park from disrepair.

He added: "Investing in capital projects such as a new sports pavilion in Brickfield Park, a community library in Drimnagh or a GAA/running track facility between Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard, would all give the young people in our area an equal opportunity to reach their true potential and steer clear of falling into crime or anti-social behaviour."

(JG/CM)