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Victim of anti-social behaviour in desperate plea

Tuesday, 01 December 2009

Victim of anti-social behaviour in desperate plea Mary Lennon, from Cromcastle Court, Kilmore, told Northside People that the windows of her first floor flat have been regularly smashed and graffiti has been daubed on the walls outside her flat. “I’ve been living in the complex for nine years and was very happy for the first five of those,” Ms Lennon said. “Then, about four years ago, the anti-social behaviour started and it’s been an ongoing problem. “It started off with kids throwing small stones. Then the stones got bigger and they started to smash my windows. They also started to spread graffiti on the walls. “It’s absolutely scandalous. I don’t deserve this. I pay my rent and keep to myself. All I want is to live in peace. I can’t put up with it anymore. I have to get out of here.” Ms Lennon said she has no idea why she is being victimised. “I think I’m being targeted because I live on my own,” she stated.  “My son, who is 15, lives with his grandmother in Finglas; I don’t want to bring him up here with all this going on. “I’ve been on to the gardai in Coolock and Santry numerous times to report the problem. “I’ve also been on to Dublin City Council and contacted Deputy Sean Haughey’s office.” Ms Lennon’s situation is exacerbated by the fact that she suffers from asthma and gets chest infections regularly. “It’s not good or my condition to have cardboard in the windows after they’ve been broken and a draught coming in,” she added.  “I fear for my life; I’m being victimised for no reason. You can only take so much.” Minister for Lifelong Learning, Sean Haughey, confirmed to Northside People that Ms Lennon has reported her situation to him. “I am in the process of making representations to the Area Housing Manager and the Chief Welfare Officer of Dublin City Council to see if she can examine Ms Lennon’s case on compassionate grounds and recommend a transfer to alternative accommodation,” he said.  Minister Haughey pointed out that there was a long-term plan to demolish the Cromcastle Courts flats complex.  “However, due to the current economic situation, that plan may take longer and this would not help Ms Lennon in the short term,” he added. A spokesman for Dublin City Council said Ms Lennon was on its transfer list and currently has 34 points having applied in April 2003. “She is seeking re-housing within Area B,” he told Northside People. “However, as her points are low it will be some time before she is offered alternative accommodation. “The area office is aware of anti-social behaviour at the complex.”