Social Democrats Councillor Jesslyn Henry says ‘a whole shake of the system’ is necessary to properly address the issues of anti-social behaviour, crime, violence faced by council housing tenants
Social Democrats Councillor Jesslyn Henry
“A whole shake of the system” is necessary to address the scourge of anti-social behaviour seen at apartment complexes in Dublin ’s North Central area.
Social Democrats Councillor Jesslyn Henry has spoken with Dublin Live about the issues facing her constituency in council apartment complexes like De Verdon Place on the Malahide Road and Burnell Place in Northern Cross. She said she’s been in contact with numerous residents in recent weeks and it’s clear that urgent action is needed.
With ongoing reports of social housing tenants being confronted with non-residents sleeping in hallways, open drug use, car park robberies, arson attacks, and instances of violence and abuse, Cllr Henry said this “absolutely shouldn’t be happening.” “Our homes should be secure and be a safe space,” she said.
Complexes facing security issues include those under the management of Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) as well as accommodation overseen by Dublin City Council itself. Cllr Henry said she believes much of the problems have intensified due to those in charge of management “not realising that so much security would be needed.”
While Cllr Henry said she has met with AHB representatives and there is a concerted effort being made to improve security, she stressed it has been traumatic for individuals living in unsafe circumstances. “The design of these buildings from a safety point of view really should have been looked at from the beginning rather than later thinking we need to change it, a little bit of foresight is needed,” she said.
One of the essential things those dealing with anti-social behaviour at their accommodation should know according to Cllr Henry is who they can go to in a time of crisis. She encouraged tenants to get in touch with their AHB’s anti-social behaviour unit if they have one, to speak to local representatives and gardai, as well as to contact Dublin City Council.
“If people are going through this, please reach out. You are not alone, there are people there willing to help. Without us knowing we can’t help,” she said.
Cllr Henry said she believes all stakeholders are doing their best to address the anti-social behaviour, but that gardai are understaffed and the council desperately need more funding from central government.
“We need more guards on the street but we also need more services in place for those that are suffering from mental health difficulties or addiction. That can be addressed at the same time. There’s a one-size-fits-all approach. We need a whole shake-up of the system,” she explained.
Cllr Henry said that the fact that there are homeless people in the area who feel the need to sleep in hallways highlights major systematic and societal issues. She said the newly formed Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) can act as a way for communities to come together and for stakeholders to meet and come to a solution for how to address these kinds of social problems.
“If you have regular meetings with the community they’re able to express the concerns that are coming up and they should be able to be addressed as quickly as possible,” Cllr Henry said.. She stressed the importance of raising these kinds of issues collectively, which will take away “the sense of isolation” from those who feel they are suffering in silence.
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
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