Dun Laoghaire Junkies

s14barnes

I know its been talked about before and for as long as I remember there has been a drug issue in Dun Laoghaire..

But with the recent building of the the new library their hangout spot is gone..
They seem to have taken to the streets more than ever..
The CoCo are trying to pump money into the place to make it nice for tourists yet all they are going to achieve is more reviews like this

beautiful harbour built two hundred years ago - very pleasant walk........but be very very careful in the town center. It is infested with junkies and crackheads. Not a very nice place at all, with an eyesore of a half empty shopping center in the middle. Much better to go to nearby villages like Monkstown, Sandycove and Dalkey.

The local politicians,Dlr CoCo and Gardai dont seem to be doing anything about it!?

Larbre34

Not arguing with the substance particularly, but any link or source for the review please?

s14barnes

Larbre34 wrote: »

Not arguing with the substance particularly, but any link or source for the review please?

its just a tripadviser review but none the less this is how tourists are going to see Dun Laoghaire.

TripAdvisor

Tabnabs

It's how one visitor views DL in fairness. It does have a problem with alcoholics and loud mouthed skangers shouting at each other, but it's really not "infested" with junkies and crackheads.

The Library building site hasn't moved the drunks on much either, they're still close by. However, I've never had any hassle or abuse from any of them when passing by.

uch

To be fair, it's not illegal to look dodgy, Nobody can do anything about Junkies sitting around the place if they're not doing any wrong

Alf Veedersane

There's a methadone clinic off Patrick St so there are bound to be junkies in the area. But there's nothing that can be done about that but remove any that cause trouble from the streets.

I know they make some people uncomfortable, particularly after dark, but if they do nothing wrong then you can't just take them off the streets. As much as you would want to...

bullvine

Its my home town, I have a lot of love for it but lately it seems to be getting a lot more Junkies. Not sure if its just the library but the building of the new site at moran park is probably not helping, thats were a lot of them use to hangout.

There seems to be a lot around at the Boylan Centre these days as well.

Larbre34

Drinking on the public road and loitering are against the law last time I checked, never enforced in the centre of Dun Laoghaire anyway

That group of shams has certainly expanded this year, theres a definite mix of junkies and winos goading and braying at each other now. Harmless to passers by but you can see the tourism impact

Glad to see that Trip Advisor review was the only negative in a ream of positives.

smellmepower

Was staying with a friend out there a few weeks back,first time I've been out in DL in years.

Didn't notice many addicts/winos etc knocking about, but thought the whole town is very run down and depressing looking in general.The approach to the cinema and shopping centre in particular.

blossom180

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

There's a methadone clinic off Patrick St so there are bound to be junkies in the area. But there's nothing that can be done about that but remove any that cause trouble from the streets.

I know they make some people uncomfortable, particularly after dark, but if they do nothing wrong then you can't just take them off the streets. As much as you would want to...

The clinic is moving to Kill O The Grange to the old Garda Station.

frash

blossom180 wrote: »

The clinic is moving to Kill O The Grange to the old Garda Station.

Got a link to this anywhere?

blossom180

frash wrote: »

Got a link to this anywhere?

Sorry no link just told by a person working there.

Larbre34

Is it now? Will be interesting to see that one publicised. The folks up there were upset enough to lose the copshop, i can imagine the outrage when they hear that practically the opposite is moving into the building. In fact i know of two particularly influential people in that neck of the woods who will ensure it doesnt happen.

Makes no sense as a location anyway, quite inaccessible for the target clientele

TheVoodoo

I have no link, but also heard that the clinic was moving there.

frash

TheVoodoo wrote: »

I have no link, but also heard that the clinic was moving there.

Half way better two primary schools!!
Great plan.

Larbre34

frash wrote: »

Half way better two primary schools!!
Great plan.

Huh?

TheVoodoo

Larbre34 wrote: »

Huh?

I assume he meant between.


But I really, really hope it doesn't end up there.

frash

TheVoodoo wrote: »

I assume he meant between.


But I really, really hope it doesn't end up there.

Yeah meant 'between'
Daft phone.

Really don't want it there either.

Larbre34

Agreed. The contact details of your local Council and Oireachtas reps are easily available, so get lobbying everyone. Bear in mind, and make sure they are reminded, local and European elections in 9.5 months time.....

blossom180

Larbre34 wrote: »

Agreed. The contact details of your local Council and Oireachtas reps are easily available, so get lobbying everyone. Bear in mind, and make sure they are reminded, local and European elections in 9.5 months time.....

Think it be done a.nd dusted before the elections

Larbre34

blossom180 wrote: »

Think it be done a.nd dusted before the elections

Yes I assumed as much, the point is they should know they'll be blamed at election time if its let happen - apart from all the other stuff they'll be voted out over.....

frash

Contacted all the Dun Laoghaire councillors.

This rumour is false according to all of them.
Planning permission would also be needed.

Larbre34

frash wrote: »

Contacted all the Dun Laoghaire councillors.

This rumour is false according to all of them.
Planning permission would also be needed.

Good stuff, thank you.

frash

Larbre34 wrote: »

Good stuff,thank you.

No problem.
Now have emails from HSE confirming there are no plans to move the existing clinic to there or anywhere else.

s14barnes

frash wrote: »

Contacted all the Dun Laoghaire councillors.

This rumour is false according to all of them.
Planning permission would also be needed.

that's a pity

Larbre34

s14barnes wrote: »

that's a pity

How come?

If you mean Dun Laoghaire would be better off, I agree as its an unsuitable location. The former KO'G copshop is even less suitable though.

Heisenberg1

Why didn't the CoCo set up proper rehab program's for these people. Instead they pump €34 million into a library we don't need waste of money. And fix the roads they are in an awful state. Build homes for the thousands that are on housing lists in DLR its a joke.

Fratton Fred

Heisenberg1 wrote: »

Why didn't the CoCo set up proper rehab program's for these people. Instead they pump €34 million into a library we don't need waste of money. And fix the roads they are in an awful state. Build homes for the thousands that are on housing lists in DLR its a joke.

Because the library will have a big plaque on the front announcing which of our glorious councillors cut the ribbon.

the groutch

Heisenberg1 wrote: »

Why didn't the CoCo set up proper rehab program's for these people. Instead they pump €34 million into a library we don't need waste of money. And fix the roads they are in an awful state. Build homes for the thousands that are on housing lists in DLR its a joke.

Which library is that?
The renovations of the Deansgrange one doesnt look like it's near a €34m job.

Fratton Fred

the groutch wrote: »

Which library is that?
The renovations of the Deansgrange one doesnt look like it's near a €34m job.

Dirty great big building currently being built in front of the royal marine hotel.

It will be a superb amenity, but again, I question the priorities.

Heisenberg1

the groutch wrote: »

Which library is that?
The renovations of the Deansgrange one doesnt look like it's near a €34m job.

It's been built beside or on the old bowling lawn bedside the royal marine you can't miss it.

Larbre34

The money doesnt work that way. When i submit a planning levy for a client building something, the council split it 3 ways, between different funds for roads or water or amenities. Under the legislation they have no discretion to spend unspent amenity money on roads or anything else. The amenity money has built up in the hundreds of millions since the boom, which is why you see so many parks and playgrounds and council golf courses and markets being built or revamped. The central library is part of that spend. It does seem wrong when so many other services are struggling but the planning legislation would have to change to divert the cash

Mick Murdock

It's no surprise that the bad review is from a person from Dublin. I would hazard a guess they're not too far from Dún Laoghaire either. Great idea posting that on a site frequented by tourists. :rolleyes:

It's not even close to the reality of visiting Dun Laoghaire. There's more than a fair share of alcos and drug addicts around, but other than looking unpleasant they are not doing anything wrong (drinking cans, big deal) and definitely not troubling tourists.

Dún Laoghaire's decline gets more coverage than most because a lot of the media types just happen to live in and around here. That and the fact that there are few nicer locations in the country. The place has so much potential to be great.


Doesn't seem to be much ambition about the place.

voter1983

What I don't understand is why a library needs such a big building

Fratton Fred

voter1983 wrote: »

What I don't understand is why a library needs such a big building

It is a library and cultural centre.

Richard Hillman

Larbre34 wrote: »

How come?

If you mean Dun Laoghaire would be better off, I agree as its an unsuitable location. The former KO'G copshop is even less suitable though.

The problem with the treatment centres is that the addicts hang around Dun Laoghaire for the day after they get their fix. If it moved to KOTG they would have nothing to do and toddle off somewhere else.

Richard Hillman

Heisenberg1 wrote: »

Why didn't the CoCo set up proper rehab program's for these people. Instead they pump €34 million into a library we don't need waste of money. And fix the roads they are in an awful state. Build homes for the thousands that are on housing lists in DLR its a joke.

There is no room for anymore housing in DLR and tbh we don't need anymore social housing in the area. Shoving people up to Ballyogan seems to have worked a bit. To hell or to Ballyogan is my saying



PS: I live in a council estate.

Tabnabs

Richard Hillman wrote: »

There is no room for anymore housing in DLR and tbh we don't need anymore social housing in the area. Shoving people up to Ballyogan seems to have worked a bit. To hell or to Ballyogan is my saying



PS: I live in a council estate.

DLR is probably the most desirable area in the country to live in. There's plenty more space and this is evident by the new residential building under way and what's planned for the near future (eg. DL Harbour masterplan)

thebaz

Heisenberg1 wrote: »

Why didn't the CoCo set up proper rehab program's for these people. Instead they pump €34 million into a library we don't need waste of money. And fix the roads they are in an awful state. Build homes for the thousands that are on housing lists in DLR its a joke.

agree 100%, building 3 massive libraries in the area - Dun Laoghaire/Blackrock and Deans Grange , what in the digital age , especially when the roads are some of the worst in Europe and the housing list is never ending - they seam to be a law unto themselves down at Dun laoghaire hall, John Waters was dead right not paying his parking ticket , the place is a ghosttown at night.

NoCrackHaving

thebaz wrote: »

agree 100%, building 3 massive libraries in the area - Dun Laoghaire/Blackrock and Deans Grange , what in the digital age , especially when the roads are some of the worst in Europe and the housing list is never ending - they seam to be a law unto themselves down at Dun laoghaire hall, John Waters was dead right not paying his parking ticket , the place is a ghosttown at night.

To be fair DLR roads are pretty good for the most part, certainly compared to the other counties within Dublin even.

thebaz

NoCrackHaving wrote: »

To be fair DLR roads are pretty good for the most part, certainly compared to the other counties within Dublin even.

personally I think they are appalling , but not surprised , as they are constantly being dug up - think they are drilling for oil , and not in the sea

Fratton Fred

NoCrackHaving wrote: »

To be fair DLR roads are pretty good for the most part, certainly compared to the other counties within Dublin even.

May I suggest you drive through sallynoggin one day, or up castlepark road, or maybe Monkstown road?

Still, glad to see a new island put in along Queens road, the tourists see that, not Sallynoggin so that is waaay more important.

DLRCOCO is all fir coat no knickers.

Larbre34

Fratton Fred wrote: »

May I suggest you drive through sallynoggin one day, or up castlepark road, or maybe Monkstown road?

Still, glad to see a new island put in along Queens road, the tourists see that, not Sallynoggin so that is waaay more important.

DLRCOCO is all fir coat no knickers.

I think you just described The Gathering!

Its true though, some of the main roads are in absolute bits. Glenageary Hill was fixed up last year but thats about it, I actually avoid Monkstown Road with the car as its a teeth rattling experience. A lot of those cr@ppy red ramps have disintegrated as well, the worst ones on Avondale Road are replaced but theres loads still causing problems

RainyDay

thebaz wrote: »

John Waters was dead right not paying his parking ticket ,

The man is a fool. He moans about not being able to relax and enjoy his cup of coffee. Has he never heard of multi-storey car parking? If he doesn't know how long he's going to be, can he not do what the rest of us do and park in the multi-storey, then pay when we get back.

John Waters - when a 15 minute grace period just isn't enough

thebaz

RainyDay wrote: »

The man is a fool. He moans about not being able to relax and enjoy his cup of coffee. Has he never heard of multi-storey car parking? If he doesn't know how long he's going to be, can he not do what the rest of us do and park in the multi-storey, then pay when we get back.

John Waters - when a 15 minute grace period just isn't enough

again I 100% agree with John Waters on this - its the principle - the community life in Dun Laoghaite and Blackrock are being destoyed by the over zealous approach - go and talk to any shopkeeper on Dun Laoghaire or Blackrock main street - the issue needs to be highlighted.

Larbre34

The parking issue has been highlighted more than the bloody banking crisis. The Council brought it in about 10 years ago to end all day parking congestion in the towns and along the DART. As someone who has worked on the same street for that long i remember how bad it was, people couldnt park at their homes after 8am, and both residents and business groups demanded it to allow for a turnover of spaces convenient to the shops etc. The regime may be too strict and zealous but the Councillors who have the power to change it wont do it because it has the support of a silent majority who support it because they have had much easier lives when it comes to accessing their homes for the last ten years

RainyDay

thebaz wrote: »

again I 100% agree with John Waters on this - its the principle - the community life in Dun Laoghaite and Blackrock are being destoyed by the over zealous approach - go and talk to any shopkeeper on Dun Laoghaire or Blackrock main street - the issue needs to be highlighted.

What is 'over zealous' about a 15 minute grace period? If that's not enough, just park in the multi-storey, like the rest of us do.

Chinasea

The man lives not too far from Dun Laoghaire. WTF couldn't he walk, cycle and 'live' the free and easy harmless hippy pseudo image that he tries to portray. How much of my tax payers money has he diverted to his selfish demonstration. Why doesn't he campaign for better cycling facilities?

The parking situation in Dun Laoghaire has NOT been the cause of the 'global economic downturn. Let's get real.

I am not saying that parking charges are not a deterrent to shop in Dun Laoghaire, but what is the solution. Everyone I know drives a car and their umpteen offsprings have a car each, so where are they all supposed to fit????

There is a very good public transport to Dun L. Most people that shop in Dun L are from the borough, so they could easily access on foot, cycling or by public transport. CAR IS NOT KING.

It is up to the citizens and the questionable Business Ass. now to save the town. Shop on line if you want, shop in Dundrum if you want, drive and double park on every square inch of the place if you want, but you will soon have a doom town.

SjB75

TheVoodoo wrote: »

I assume he meant between.


But I really, really hope it doesn't end up there.

it has brought to the attention of the residents of Kill O the Grange that there are plans to move the methadone clinic to the old Garda station. I have emailed our local councillor John Bailey and I have been on the planning permission web site of DLRCC, as of yet no reply from councillor or no post on the web for planning permission. I know this is an old post but today I have heard from 2 people this will be going ahead. Has anyone of the residents in the area heard anything ?

frash

SjB75 wrote: »

it has brought to the attention of the residents of Kill O the Grange that there are plans to move the methadone clinic to the old Garda station. I have emailed our local councillor John Bailey and I have been on the planning permission web site of DLRCC, as of yet no reply from councillor or no post on the web for planning permission. I know this is an old post but today I have heard from 2 people this will be going ahead. Has anyone of the residents in the area heard anything ?

Who brought it to their attention?
I'd imagine this is just the same rumour that was floating around last Summer.

I contacted all the local councillors back then & none of them knew anything about it (although one had heard the rumour (maybe on here!)).

OPW would have to approve a new use for the Garda station & planning permission would be needed.

The Reverend

It is not a rumour. The methadone clinic will be moving from Dun Laoghaire to the old Garda station at Baker's Corner.

The reasons, according to the Gardai are straight forward:

1. Bakers Corner is a closer location to the majority of methadone recipients.

2. Due to it's location, Bakers Corner offers little reason for the addicts to hang around after they have received their medication. Dun Laoghaire, on the other hand, is full of people, shops, parks and recreational areas, where the addicts are constantly causing disruption, notably to the locals going about their daily business. Bakers corner, not being a town, does not have these amenities and, as mentioned, is seen as less attractive place for the addicts to hang around.

3. There is an issue of fairness involved and collective responsibility within different regions of Dublin. Dun Laoghaire has had to deal with the addicts, and their disruptive affect on the town population, for many years, whilst Baker's Corner has not. So, quite frankly, it's now someone else's turn to have to deal with them.

4. An earlier poster mentioned that 'influential' locals would make sure the clinic will never be moved to Baker's Corner. I'm sorry to report that nobody has any such 'influence', regardless of their ego, or how powerful they think they are. The plans have been approved, permission has been granted, and the move will be going ahead in the very near future, most probably before the end of the Summer 2014.

The Reverend,

A Dun Laoghaire resident.