SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL STATEMENT Re: Protest by Aisling Bent

18/08/2005

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL STATEMENT
Re: Protest by Aisling Bent
  
Transfer Applications
  
South Dublin County Councils Scheme of Letting Priorities sets out the basis on which housing applications are assessed. Points are awarded under 14 separate categories that range from unfitness of existing accommodation, length of time on the list, overcrowding, number of children etc. Under the scheme priority status can be awarded to those applicants where exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. Once points are awarded, allocations are made on the basis of need and preference.

Aisling initially applied for a transfer in July 2004. As a result of difficulties with regard to her responsibilities under her tenancy agreement, this application was returned advising that an application would only be considered once she had resolved these difficulties. The matters were sufficiently resolved to allow submission of the Transfer Application in February 2005.

Of the 77 housing preference options available within the county, Aisling has expressed a preference for only 9. This expressed preference restricts the Council to considering only those houses that might come available within those 9 estates.

In addition, Aisling has sought to be considered for allocation of a 4-bedroom house. It is very rare that 4 bedroom houses become available for allocation. At present out of 70 houses being prepared for allocation only 5 are 4 bedrooms. Of these 5, only 1 of the houses is in an estate that Aisling is willing to be considered for.

Given Aisling’s restricted preference selection it is clear that there is likely to be a significant waiting time.

Once the application was assessed in line with the Scheme of Letting Priorities, Aisling was awarded points that currently place her as follows –

21st on West Tallaght List
25th on Central Tallaght List
9th on Clondalkin List

Priority Status for Anti-Social Behaviour

In any case where priority status is granted the applicant is put to the top of their relevant list and they are allocated the next available house that fits their need and preference.

Priority status is not awarded lightly as it is incumbent on the Council to ensure that the Allocations system is operated in a manner that is fair to all applicants. The Council has an obligation to all to ensure that priority is only awarded where that status is merited. In this regard, thorough investigations are carried out where the circumstances of the applicant are examined.

Anti-social behaviour is often claimed as a reason for seeking a transfer. It is the Council’s position that victims of anti-social behaviour should not be forced to relocate from the home because of the actions of others. It is Council Policy to prevent further occurrences by dealing with the source of the anti-social behaviour. The Council works very closely with the Garda Siochana in the investigation and follow up of all anti-social cases.

In an emergency situation the Council can grant priority for anti-social behaviour, however such claims must be supported by previous complaints/contacts from the applicant and confirmation from the Garda Siochana that there is a immediate and serious threat to the welfare of the applicant. Only where such confirmation is available will priority be considered.

Anti-Social Activity in Glenshane Estate

Anti-social activity in the Glenshane Estate has been a major focus in 2005. The Council has worked very closely with the Gardai and Residents Association in the area with a view to dealing with such activity.
  
 As detailed in a report to Councillors in May of this year, there has been a significant reduction in the level of complaints regarding anti-social behaviour in the Glenshane Estate. During February, interviews were held with 20 families in relation to reports of anti-social behaviour in the area. 8 warning letters were issued at that time. Follow up interviews were also held in these cases.  The effect of this action saw the level of complaints in the area, not including Aisling’s case, drop from 40 over a four-week period during January and February to 1 during March, April and May.

In the months since, other than in Aisling’s case, complaints have been received in relation to only one major incident. Following that incident, 11 interviews have been held and Warning Letters have issued in a number of the cases. Some of these cases are now at Final Warning stage and are therefore at a stage where eviction may be required. In all cases the Council, Gardai and Residents Association have worked closely together and have built a good relationship that appears to be bringing some success.

Current Status

Aisling has sought to be granted priority status on grounds of being a victim of anti-social behaviour. Aisling’s case has been thoroughly investigated and priority on this basis has been denied.

South Dublin County Council staff have again met with Aisling and advised her that she will not be granted priority and that she must therefore wait until her points assessment brings her to the top of the list.

Aisling has also been advised that if she were to expand her preferences the options available to the Council in considering her application would be increased and thereby accelerate her application.

The Council awaits Aisling’s revised preference selection.

It is regretted that Aisling believes that her protest action will bring her to the top of the list. The Council has advised her that her case can only be dealt in line with those criteria applied to all other applicants. The protest that she is engaged in at the moment cannot change the relevant matters.

The Council wish that Aisling would end her protest and work with the Housing Dept towards improving her chances of gaining her transfer in the near future.

Further information from the Office of the Director of Housing, Contact Mr John Quinlivan SEO Housing @ 4149090
Issued by Corporate Services Department Tel 4149185