Press Release: Ballymun Residents Reject Social Apartheid
February 2004
Issued by:
Shangan Forum
Shangan Residents Association
Whiteacre Residents Association
Proposals that would effectively fence in the people of Ballymun by closing a public right of way have been rejected by local residents.
For years Ballymun has been cut off physically, socially and economically from surrounding areas and this has had a devastating effect on the area and the people. Just as hopes have been raised by the Regeneration Process people find their dignity once again being trampled on by this proposed closure.
The right of way between Ballymun and Oldtown is a vital link to families, local schools and colleges (DCU), buses, churches, pubs, employment, Beaumont Hospital, Albert College Park, Omni Centre and other shops.
The residents of Oldtown claimed that they are seeking closure of this right of way to reduce anti-social behaviour. The residents of Ballymun have offered to work with the Oldtown residents to tackle anti-social behaviour that is coming from both communities.
Ballymun resident Josie Birch said that:
"The people of Ballymun have for many years paid the price for bad planning, bad housing policy and lack of basic amenities. The community of Ballymun refuse the imposition of another quick fix solution and call upon the relevant authorities to deal with the issues rather than sweeping them under the carpet."
Isolating the people of Ballymun has never worked in the past and is not the answer now. The lessons learned from attempts to divide communities throughout the world such as the new wall in Palestine, the Berlin wall, the so-called "Peace Line" in Belfast and apartheid in South Africa have all been failures that have only served to increase conflict.
Social apartheid whether it takes the form of legislation or physical barriers is not the answer to solving anti-social behaviour. Closure of this right of way should not be allowed to go ahead.
- Ends -
Notes:
The Right of Way between Ballymun and Oldtown (in Santry) has been in existence for 35 years and the decision of whether or not to close it will be taken on Friday 20th February by the North West Area Committee.
For more information please contact:
Christine Healy, Ballymun Neighbourhood Council, Axis Centre, Main Street, Ballymun
(On Behalf of Shangan Forum, Shangan Residents Association and Whiteacre Residents Association)
E-mail: Christine.healy@axis-ballymun.ie
Phone: 01 883 2172
This page was updated on 18th March, 2004