GARDAÍ AND Dublin City Council officials are to meet today to discuss what can be done to assist the residents of one of the city's social blackspots after violence flared in the north city housing complex on Wednesday night.
Three people were arrested for public order offences in O'Devaney Gardens, Dublin 7, after what was described as a riot occurred. A 30-year-old woman and two men aged 31 and 24 will appear in court in September in connection with the incident.
Tensions have risen in the complex since it missed out on regeneration earlier this year when a Public Private Partnership (PPP) collapsed, with residents saying they are "living in fear" of gangs that gather to drink in the area most nights.
Locals told RTÉ Radio's Liveline that gardaí were assaulted and firearms were discharged during the violence on Wednesday. The claims were denied by gardaí last night.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Eibhlin Byrne, said she was concerned about the "extremely traumatic event for residents who are already suffering major stress as a result of the collapse of the PPP.
"I will be meeting with senior members of the gardaí and city council officials to ensure a cohesive response to this event and to put in place safeguards so there isn't a repeat of it," she said.
Dublin City Council said, in a statement, it was aware of what had taken place in O'Devaney Gardens and it has been in contact with gardaí about policing measures and the installation of additional CCTV for the complex.
Deputy Lord Mayor Emer Costello said she "regretted" the problems being experienced by the residents of the complex, many of whom now wish to move out.
Ms Costello called for a security audit of the complex. "The council say more cameras can help, but earlier this week they told me cameras are not the answer and they do not curb antisocial behaviour when I asked about another problem," she said.
