A new roadmap for Darndale unveiled today includes plans to move on the tiny minority of tenants whose anti-social behaviour has been dragging down the Coolock estate.
Dublin City Council this morning presented the final Darndale Socio-Economic and Community Plan to councillors from the North Central Area of the city.
Residents involved in drug dealing will be evicted and a confidential drug-related intimidation local support network will be launched under the plan.
Local groups, community activists and volunteers played a big part in shaping the new plan for Darndale, a proud and vibrant community that has been beset by the anti-social actions of a small minority in the Dublin 17 area.
A community policing hub has also been earmarked for the sprawling estate on the northern edge of the DCC area.
In addition, the wide-ranging plan promises more support for new mums and sod turned on the long-awaited second phase of the Darndale Belcamp Village Centre.
Former Assistant Garda Commissioner Jack Nolan spent nine months compiling the detailed report, which includes an in-depth analysis of Darndale and surrounding areas.
The analysis includes a demographic profile, mapping of the significant existing community services, an identification of current problems and a roadmap to solve these problems into the future.
Mr Nolan said: "Darndale is a proud and vibrant community with a significant infrastructure of existing programmes and services.
"Existing programmes such as 'Preparing for Life' which provides wraparound supports to expectant mothers both pre and post birth are an exemplar of what should be provided.
"Unfortunately in recent times there has been an imbalance between positive and negative influences in the community with negative influences beginning to win out.
"It is now time for coordinated action from all stakeholders to redress these issues and correct the balance.”
Deputy council chief Brendan Kenny added: “Dublin City Council are grateful to all stakeholders in the local community for their input into this report.
"We are fully committed to leading the implementation of this report in partnership with statutory, non-statutory, community and voluntary groups working in the area.
"There are some great local people and community workers operating in the area. This is an excellent opportunity to coordinate local services while undertaking some additional projects that will have a transformative effect in the local community."
Actions include the following:
- Develop a Community Representative Forum
- Develop a Place Based Leadership Programme
- Enforce tenancy agreements and relocate tenants engaging in anti-social behaviour and drug sale and supply
- Develop phase 2 of the Darndale Belcamp Village Centre to promote positive activity in the local community
- Develop bespoke second level education programmes to maintain the interest of second level students
- Pilot an Adverse Childhood Experiences Programme in the area
- Development of a bespoke Crime Prevention Strategy for Darndale including the establishment of a Community Policing Hub
- Implementation of a restorative practice approach in all schools in the area
- Establish a confidential drug related intimidation local support network
- Disseminate information on the availability of programmes and educational opportunities in the area
- Appoint an overall area service manager to coordinate collaborative youth services
- Develop a drugs awareness course for primary and secondary schools in the area
- Expand “Preparing for Life” programme to assist families with school-going children
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