Graffiti epidemic in Douglas needs to be tackled now

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Graffiti in Douglas Community Park

Local TD Deirdre Clune believes that the Graffiti problem in Douglas has worsened considerably over the last few months and immediate action is now required to deal with this problem.

Over the last few months the graffiti problem in Douglas has reached epidemic levels. Graffiti has appeared in public areas and private property alike.

The fact that this graffiti is not being cleaned off is now encouraging others to add their own graffiti. This ongoing vandalism of our parks, playgrounds and public areas as well as private property is creating a public perception of neglect and dereliction.

I have spoken to Cork County Council asking them to take immediate action to tackle this graffiti problem but they have so far been unable to deal comprehensively with it as a result of funding cuts and reduced budgets. I have now written to Cork County Manager, Martin Riordan, outlining the seriousness of the problem and asking him to prioritise it.

Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has agreed to expand the Community Service Orders from 1,600 a year to 6,000 annually. Graffiti removal will be included in the expanded Community Service Scheme along with fence painting and canal cleaning among other but this will require legislation and while it might be an option for cleaning graffiti in the future at the moment we are dependent on the local authorities.

Deirdre CluneWhat did you think about this article? I would love to hear your opinion, please leave a comment below. Thank you!

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5 Responses to “Graffiti epidemic in Douglas needs to be tackled now”

  1. Denis B. Says:

    Hi Deirdre,

    I write to you about the graffiti issue in Douglas. I commend your suggestion and efforts in relation to the probation services working to remove the graffi.
    However, I think that the local Gardai have been incredibly ineffective in relation to this issue. As a result, the graffiti problem is spreading and accelerating. I don’t recall seeing Gardai making any efforts to patrol the affected areas or searching any obvious suspects. Perhaps you could challenge the local Gardai on this matter – afterall, it is their responsibility to deter, detect and prosecute such criminal behaviour. They should set up hidden cameras in the commonly affected areas and visit the local schools if necessary. They should be able to stamp it out before it becomes a wholesale issue.

    Denis B.

    March 22nd, 2010 at 10:24 pm
  2. Eric Says:

    Hello Deirdre,

    Perhaps providing areas where graffiti would be o.k. to practice would help in the situation, like litter the situation will not go away but providing bins always helps.

    Eric

    April 18th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
  3. jojo Says:

    Ms. Clune,There is no way to stop this “epidemic” short of declaring martial law. These kids just NEED a CREATIVE OUTLET. Grey walls are depressing. Why not find a solution to try and work WITH them rather than try to try swimming against a current?

    December 18th, 2010 at 12:01 am
  4. kevin dalton Says:

    All that has happened since the last posts on this is that things have got worse.

    I have lost all faith in Cork county Council and have removed some of the graffiti myself around where I live.
    (Douglas Rd.) Instead of just complaining as that is a waste of time.

    July 27th, 2011 at 11:37 am
  5. Michael Dowd Says:

    Hi deirdre is there plans to improve the roads as they seem to be getting bad again and this is before any ice or snow has fallen .You put your point across well about the junior cert reform and it will be for the better

    November 30th, 2011 at 12:01 pm

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