Greens ‘not tackling’ antisocial behaviour

A FORMER Green Party city councillor has strongly attacked the party for failing to introduce stronger legislation to stamp out the ongoing problem of antisocial behaviour in local authority estates.

Cork City councillor Chris O’Leary, who grew to national prominence when his own home was petrol-bombed, said he believes tenants should be given homes on a “probationary basis” if they have a history of questionable behaviour.

Cllr O’Leary said that he has become the first port of call for tenants around the country who have given up on their local authority or the gardaí being able to stop incessant partying, drug-dealing and late-night nuisance-making that is making their lives hell.

Figures provided by Dublin City Council show that 15 eviction orders were secured for anti-social behaviour last year and all 15 were executed.

Cllr O’Leary said eviction orders are being rigorously contested in the High Court and Supreme Court by solicitors who know the legislation is weak.

“There isn’t a week goes past when I don’t get a call about people having stones put through their windows, of being unable to sleep due to parties every night of the week and of neighbours fighting late into the night,” he said. “I would love to say there has been change, but there hasn’t. There are so many people living in fear of their lives as they feel that the law has no teeth and that there is nothing that can be done. Decent tenants are handing back their keys to local authorities as they can’t live with the hassle and fear.”

Cllr O’Leary, who is now independent, accused local authorities of failing to do proper checks on tenants before housing them.

He also accused them of “dumping” trouble-making tenants in particular estates.

“I’ve heard of riots outside people’s homes on Sunday afternoons and other gangs banging down front doors as a particular neighbour had questioned their behaviour. The Green Party was always strong on this subject, but I believe that they still haven’t really tackled the issue.”

Anti-social behaviour legislation forms part of the Programme for Government forged by Fianna Fáil and the Green Party. A Department of the Environment spokesman last night said there are provisions to fight anti-social behaviour in the Housing Bill Amendment Legislation. He said the issue of noise pollution will be addressed in the noise pollution act, which is due to become law next year.