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SAFER BALLYMUN: ISSUE 8
  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Safer Ballymun: What is it?

Safer Ballymun is a partnership involving local residents, An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council and Ballymun Regeneration Ltd. This working group meets on a six weekly basis and has an action-based, problem-solving focus. Safer Ballymun aims to assess, monitor and control the levels of anti-social behaviour in the Ballymun area.

‘A Road to Change’ - Ballymun Community Alcohol Strategy

The Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey TD recently launched the Ballymun Community Alcohol Strategy. The Strategy seeks to reduce the amount of harm caused by alcohol use in the Ballymun area. The project was initiated and developed by the Ballymun Local Drugs Task Force and Safer Ballymun and follows over a year of consultation with local people, community leaders, statutory organisations, political representatives and local alcohol retailers.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Carey announced that he would designate Ballymun as a national pilot area for combating alcohol-related harm at a community level. “This local initiative in Ballymun has the potential to provide a preview of the effect of some of the actions anticipated in the new National Substance Misuse Strategy.” The Minister said, “I am very happy to be invited to launch it and I will be taking a keen interest in its roll-out over the next few years.”

Hugh Greaves, Co-ordinator of the Ballymun Local Drugs Task Force noted the significance of the initiative “We do not accept that the harm caused by increased alcohol-use is a fact of life. This community-based strategy will change the environmental and community systems which enable alcohol problems to develop and increase.”

A number of key agencies have guaranteed their commitment to the implementation of the Ballymun Community Alcohol Strategy and local people’s input continues to be valued. The former National Alcohol policy advisor to Department of Health, Dr Ann Hope has also volunteered her services as an external advisor for the initiative.
 
Late-night Summer Soccer Camp

Ballymun Community Garda, the FAI Community Development officers and BRL’s social regeneration team are organising the first ever late night summer Soccer Camp in Ballymun. The camp is open to boys and girls aged 7–14 and runs for one week, 15th–20th August in Trinity Comprehensive Sports grounds. The cost is only €10 for the week and registration will happen on the first day of camp, Monday August 15th at 6.00p.m. Only 60 places are available so don’t miss out!

For more information contact Rosie King, BRL Sports and Recreation Coordinator on 01 222 5617.
Responsible Dog Ownership

At the Safer Ballymun public meeting in June, Donal Moroney, head Dog Warden for Dublin, delivered a presentation on responsible dog ownership and some of the challenges the dog wardens encounter in Ballymun. Speaking at the meeting Mr. Moroney outlined some of the bye laws relating to dogs and gave information on how the public can report any breaches of these laws:
  • Dog Licences If you have a dog over 4 months old, you must have a licence for him/her and the person to whom the licence is issued must be over 16 years of age. The dog licence may be purchased at any Post Office or online (www.dublincity.ie) and the fee is €12.70. All dogs must wear collar identification.


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  • Dog Fouling Failure to clean up your dog’s waste can lead to a €150 ‘on the spot’ fine. Failure to pay this fine can lead to prosecution with a maximum fine of €3000, and €600 per day for continuing offences on summary conviction.


  • Stray Dogs Stray dogs can be seized by the dog wardens and brought to the dog pound where they are kept for 5 days. Failure to keep your dog under effectual control can lead to a €30 on the spot fine. If prosecuted in court, the fine increases, with a potential prison sentence.


  • Banned Breeds On 1st July 2007 Dublin City Council identified 10 breeds of dogs that are banned from all its properties and estates. A Council tenant who had one of these breeds of dog prior to 1st July 2007 may be allowed to keep the dog provided they ensure that the dog is microchipped and neutered/spayed. For more information on the banned breeds go to www.dublincity.ie/Community/AnimalWelfare/Documents/New_Banned_Dog_Leaflet.pdf


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  • Reporting/Information To make a complaint in relation to persistent dog fouling or a stray dog, or to get more information on any of these bye laws contact:

    – Dublin City Council, Control of Dogs Section, Ground Floor, Block 4, Civic Offices, Dublin 8. Tel: 01 222 3374 or 01 222 3375 www.dublincity.ie

    – Dog Warden & Dog Pound Service, Ashton Pound, River Road, Ashtown, Castleknock, Dublin 15. Tel: 01 838 3236
Safer Ballymun launches School Watch

In the lead up to the summer holidays Safer Ballymun worked with all of the local schools in Ballymun to develop a campaign called ‘School Watch’. The campaign encourages pupils, parents and local residents to report any suspicious activity around school grounds, particularly during evenings, weekends, and summer holidays.

Speaking in support of the campaign, Marian Hackett, Principal of Holy Spirit Girls National School in Ballymun said, “Holy Spirit Girls School is strongly supported by students, parents and the local community. We welcome the School Watch initiative as an added measure of support to help protect school property.” Leaflets and posters encouraging everyone to report any suspicious activity around school grounds have been distributed by all the local schools in Ballymun. An Garda Síochána has also included ‘School Watch’ in the Garda Schools Programme for Ballymun. “This is a great initiative by the schools in Ballymun to ensure that school property remains safe outside of school hours. We welcome community in-put to minimise anti-social behaviour around our schools.” said Ballymun Garda Inspector Andrew Watters.

Contact An Garda Síochána on 01 666 4400 or 999 if you see anyone acting suspiciously on school property.
Do you own a quadbike, mini-motor bike or scooter?

Mini-motorised vehicles, such as mini-motorbikes, scooters and quadbikes have become a popular ‘toy’ for young people but there are many issues that both parents/guardians and young drivers should consider before buying or driving one of these vehicles.
  • Mini-motorised vehicles are considered a vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 2004. Any driver must be over the age of 16, hold a valid driving licence, hold third party insurance, and the appropriate motor tax certificate. Any driver in breach of these requirements are liable to penalties enforced by the Gardaí;
  • You may not use any motorised vehicles on footpaths, cycle paths, parks, other open public spaces and car parks;
  • Mini-motorised vehicles may only be used on private land and only with the permission of the landowner;
  • A person is liable to a fine of up to €3,000 or 6 months in prison, or both, for selling or supplying a mini motorised vehicle to a minor.
Parents and guardians should be aware of the legal requirements and potential dangers involved when buying a mini-motorised vehicle. An Garda Síochána urges residents to report any offences related to mini-motorised vehicles to Ballymun Garda Station.
Gardaí Clamp Down on Public Drinking

Did you know that it is illegal to consume alcohol in public places? An Garda Síochána has the power to confiscate the alcohol or issue an on the spot fine to people drinking in public. It is also an offence to be so drunk in a public place that you are a danger to yourself or to anyone around you. In this case, Gardaí have the power to confiscate any alcohol you may be carrying or issue a fine. Over the next few months, Ballymun Gardaí will be targeting specific hotspots for public drinking including parks and public spaces. They will also be monitoring underage sale of alcohol as well as adults buying alcohol for minors. These actions are being taken as a first measure in the implementation of the Ballymun Community Alcohol Strategy.
CCTV Scheme Goes Live

The much-anticipated integrated CCTV system for Ballymun is scheduled to go live this summer. The funding for the system was provided through a €1 million POBAL grant with the balance of the capital costs of installation provided by BRL. 42 additional cameras have been installed at strategic public locations throughout Ballymun including shopping areas, recreation areas, parks and main thoroughfares. The cameras around Poppintree Park were the first to go live in time for the official opening of the park on 14th July 2010.

The new cameras will be linked in with the existing DCC cameras and monitored from a centralised control room. The system will assist An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council in their ongoing efforts to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. Once operational the system will be controlled by a strict Code of Practice informed by the Data Protection Act, 1988. All tapes will be stored in lockfast facilities and only An Garda Síochána or persons authorised by the Data Controller will be allowed access. The system will operate on a wireless basis using radio signals and the Ballymun Garda Station will have the capacity to directly view live footage. The DCC North West Area office will be responsible for the ongoing monitoring, management and maintenance of the system.
Safer Ballymun – targeting hotspots

In the lead up to the summer season, the focus of Safer Ballymun has been on safety in local parks. A number of actions are being taken in relation to the parks, with a particular focus on Balcurris Park.

Balcurris Park:
1 The mound bordering the eastern edge of the park has been lowered by BRL;
2 Increased patrolling by the Gardaí;
3 The gates to the bowling green have been locked by the DCC Parks Department;
4 Future plans are being developed to improve the northern area of the park;
5 BRL in conjunction with DCC, the Gardaí, and local community groups have organised a series of activities and events in the park over the summer months.

Whiteacre Park:
1 The graffiti on the walls surrounding the playground and the ‘boardwalk’ has been removed by DCC;
2 The installation of football goal posts is being considered by BRL and DCC;
3 Increased patrolling by the Gardaí;
4 BRL in collaboration with BRYR have organised an Arts & Play programme in the park every Wednesday afternoon in July and August;
5 The building site adjacent to the park has now been cleared of all illegally dumped rubbish and the contractor is on site.
Newsflash

Safer Ballymun Week 11th–15th October Safer Ballymun Week makes a welcome return this Autumn. Focusing on many aspects of community safety, the week will feature an exciting programme of events.

For further information contact Elise Finnigan, Safer Ballymun Coordinator on 01 222 7870.

Ballymun Parks Programme The BRL Social regeneration team in conjunction with Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána, and local community groups have organised a number of activities and events that will take place in all of the Ballymun parks over the summer months. A copy of August’s activities timetable is included in this issue. Pick-up a copy of the programme booklet at the Civic Centre, Leisure Centre, and other community facilities.

For more information about the programme contact: Debbie Clarke, 01 222 5603, or Rosie King, 01 222 5617 from the BRL social regeneration team.

Park Watch A specific initiative in relation to the newly opened Poppintree Park has been put in place called ‘Park Watch’. This group that comprises local councillors, representatives from An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, Safer Ballymun and three key residents associations will meet on a regular basis. Safety in the park will be top of their agenda.

Ballymun Tidy Towns Awards Preparations are now underway for the Ballymun Tidy Towns Awards Ceremony to be held on Tuesday 28th September at 17.30p.m. in the Ballymun Civic Centre Atrium. The awards for Beautiful Spaces, Best Garden and Best Kept Area will be presented at the event. All are welcome to come out and join in the fun.

Please contact Jonathan for more information 01 222 5608.

New On-line Reporting Service Dublin City Council has recently introduced a new on-line reporting service. To report an issue to DCC such as abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping or graffiti go to www.dublincity.ie/YourCouncil/Pages/isupport.aspx.

Senior Alerts Scheme The Scheme will provide grant support for equipment to enable older persons to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Grant support will be available towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alert systems and other items to improve the safety and security of the home (including monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, internal emergency lighting and external security lighting).

The scheme is funded under the Department of Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs. The Older Person’s Network and Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership will apply on behalf of individuals in Ballymun and Whitehall area.

Please contact the Ballymun Whitehall Partnership for more information on 01 842 3612, or email info@ballymun.org, or drop into the Partnership office in the shopping centre.