THE number of anti-social complaints about residents of local authority houses in Ennis has fallen. In 2012 there were six non-drug related anti-social behaviour complaints made to the council, while in 2013 that figure was five latest figures have shown. There were no drug related anti-social behaviour complaints made in either 2012 or 2013.

A total of 46 complaints relating to nuisance or breach of tenancy were made to the council in 2013, up slightly from 44 in the previous year. While the number of warning letters issued is also down, from seven in 2012 to just two in 2013.

The figures, contained in the annual report for the estate management unit of Ennis Town Council, show an overall downward trend in issues surrounding local authority housing in the town.
Town clerk Ger Dollard attributed this to the council’s policy of early intervention, adding that CCTV and the support of the gardai have also been of assistance.

The report was outlined to members of Ennis Town Council this week, where the town’s estate management was commended. The town council manages 620 properties in the town of Ennis, made up of a housing stock of 586 and 34 properties occupied under the Social Leasing Initiative.

Town clerk Leonard Cleary outlined, “The primary focus of the Ennis Town Council Estate Management Unit is on making our housing estates better places to live in and on building good relationships with communities. A key feature is maintaining a regular presence in all the estates, neighbourhood and community areas through inspections and house visits. This ensures that problems are reported as they arise allowing for early investigation and intervention.”

While welcoming the success of estate management in the town’s local authority housing, Councillor Michael Guilfoyle stated that anti-social behaviour is becoming an increasing issue for private estates.