Frightened residents urged to ‘stand up’

CALLS have been made for residents’ associations in Ennis to come together as a combined force to tackle unruly tenants who have left people “living in fear”.

Councillor Frankie Neylon, at this week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, stated the situation in Ennis has “deteriorated” in terms of anti-social behaviour and he urged residents to “stand up” and show their opposition.
“I want to organise a meeting in September or October of residents’ associations from all over the town. I want them to come out and show their support and to show that they’re not alone. We have to stand up and do something about what is happening… The decent people of this town need to be supported, not gangsters.”
He called on the council to invite Minister for Justice Alan Shatter to meet with the local authority.
“We are not the only place in Ireland that has these problems but there are particular people in the town who don’t care. They fight in the streets and our banks,” he said.
He urged that any person found engaging in anti-social behaviour should have their rent subsidy removed.
He was speaking after Councillor Michael Guilfoyle relayed the concerns of residents of one estate in the town that has seen “disturbing and distressing incidents” involving one family living in the area.
In a letter, extracts of which was read out to councillors, allegations of public urination, stealing and fighting in the estate were made. Councillor Guilfoyle claimed that people have moved from the area due to intimidation from this one family.
The letter, seen by The Clare Champion, stated some residents keep their blinds and curtains closed during the day because they feel intimidated. “Parents no longer feel it safe to allow their children out to play outside their own homes,” the letter stated.
Councillor Guilfoyle urged the council to write to the county’s Oireachtas members to put in place legislation to make landlords more accountable for the behaviour of their tenants and to protect tenants in rented accommodation from “unscrupulous landlords”. He added that the HSE should be instructed to view a tenancy agreement prior to sanctioning rent subsidy.
“We have a responsibility to make sure that legislation is put in place to protect our citizens. I’m not asking for people to be thrown out of their homes, I’m asking that they be good neighbours,” he said. “The fear people are living in is quite frightening. I’ve had people crying in front of me .They are so frustrated they are pulling their hair out. The Oireachtas members are not doing their job.”
Councillor Tommy Brennan seconded Councillor Guilfoyle’s motion, saying while “it won’t happen overnight, something will have to be done”. He added, “The HSE and landlords will have to be held accountable”, suggesting that the HSE be contacted by the town council.
Councillor Mary Coote Ryan added that it is “awful that people cannot live in peace in their own homes”.
“It should be up to the landlord to get rid of them but they won’t because the rent is coming in. It’s very unfair on decent people,” she said.
Councillor Johnny Flynn also supported the motion, saying the actions of the people involved are an “abuse of civil liberties”.
Councillor Mary Howard said, “It’s very frightening that people are living in fear. To be part of society, certain rules need to be respected.”
Councillor Paul O’Shea added, “This is the tip of the iceberg and we really need action”.
Leonard Cleary, town clerk, responded to Councillor Guilfoyle’s motion stating, “Ennis Town Council works closely with statutory agencies (HSE, gardaí, Department of Social Protection and so on) in relation to the items raised in the motion, which interact with the council’s broad functional responsibilities.
“Having regard to the aspects of the motion that are not within the functional remit of Ennis Town Council, there may be merit in the council meeting with partner statutory agencies to convey the concerns raised and to identify areas where there are opportunities for services to become more complementary.
“The community, residents and landlords have a key stake-hold in addressing the issues raised. The community can contribute in very positive ways through becoming structured as residents’ associations with whom statutory partners can liaise on building communities.”
The council is now to seek a meeting with both the HSE and Minister for Justice Alan Shatter.