EDITORIAL
There are solutions to anti-social behaviour community gardaí the ropes. As in Mahon CDP, in Cork, there are local volunteers and staff open to all sorts of initiatives to help cut crime and boost community spirit. They have most recently set up a Community Policing Forum. In Dublin, CDPs are doing similar work in, for example, Clondalkin, Ballymun and Blanchardstown. CDPs are willing to lead the way where necessary to combat anti-social behaviour at local level, but prefer to and always aim to work in co-operation with other community interests. They have been working on the problem of anti-social behaviour for years. The only thing really new about the problem is that, at last, it has become an issue.
SINCE 1922, it has been the aim of the Gardaí "to succeed not by force of arms or numbers, but on their moral authority as servants of the people." The fact remains that if a community, as a whole, does not have respect for the Gardaí policing their area, then the Gardaí’s ability to police the community properly and effectively is greatly impaired. The recent rioting in Dublin city centre showed the Gardaí have little claim on ‘moral authority’ there, however, and may no longer hold the respect of many urban youths. For decades, the police have been out of touch to the point of being anti-social, especially with residents of large urban housing estates. Riding in a patrol car or ‘paddy wagon’ was never conducive to chatting with the citizens. While, strangely, the number of community gardaí in Dublin has declined since 2004, Community Policing is one of the main priorities in the Garda Síochána’s plan for this year. CDPs are there, ready and waiting, to show
In this issue, we look at the situation across the country. Our aim is to (a) show the initiatives being undertaken, (b) show how the Programme has a unique impact because CDPs work through Community Development principles.
Published by: ‘Changing Ireland’ is published by the Community Development
CONTENTS
Network, Moyross, Limited, Limerick, Ireland, with funding from the Department
Des Bishop interview
3
of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Community Development Unit takes the road West
4
Tel Editor: 061-458011.
Bray Beoirs take the pathway together
5
Hotels may lose out to internet
6
Website: www.changingireland.ie
EU listening to Kerry’s single parents
7
Editor: Allen Meagher
Tel Administrator: 061-458090.
Community development principles in action
8-9
Community development and peace-building
10
Community development and anti-social behaviour Len Commins remembered
Fax: 061-325300. E-mail: allenmeagher@eircom.net
Design: PrintZone, Limerick. Printed by: Walsh Printing Services, Castleisland, Co. Kerry THANKS TO . . . ‘Changing Ireland’ thanks everyone involved in the production of Issue 17.
19 20-21
Specialist support agencies
22-23
Resource section
24-25
Advocacy in community development
26
Racist fallout still a concern
27
Anyone for a cold shower outdoors?
28
MOYROSS N I D E C PRODU COMMUNITY BY THE ENT NETWORK M DEVELOP
Editorial team: Sharon Browne, Sean Dooley, Viv Sadd and Allen Meagher
11-18
Urban regeneration
changing ireland
Address: ‘Changing Ireland’, Community Enterprise Centre, Moyross, Limerick.
DISCLAIMER The views expressed in this newsletter are those of the author concerned. They do not, by any means, necessarily reflect the views of the Editor, the editorial team, the management committee of the Community Development Network, Moyross, Ltd., or the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
2
well-behaved women rarely make history