A settled neighbourhood, Drimnagh like other areas of Dublin has to cope with an increase in crime.
Built in the 1930s and 1940s in response to tenement clearances, Drimnagh was one of the first large working class estates on Dublin's southside. A large portion of the solid, durable housing in the neighbourhood was built by Dublin Corporation. Some private housing was also built in the area.
Many of the Drimnagh residents have bought their houses.
The community is quite self-contained. Our Lady of Good Counsel, the Catholic church lies in the heart of Drimnagh. Nearby is the Mother Catherine McAuley Centre, a day centre for older people living in the area. Some of the members here first came to Drimnagh in the 1930s.
In the 1950s with widespread unemployment and no community facilities, the area got the name of being tough. But Drimnagh is now a settled area. A lot of young married couples born and raised in Drimnagh chose to stay in the locality to rear their own families.
This adds to the areas sense of identity and its community spirit.
Many older residents of Drimnagh are worried about the area’s growing crime problem. Volunteer worker at the Mother Catherine McAuley Centre Peter Markey notes that many of those attending the centre live with a sense of fear. This fear might come from reports of handbag snatches, vandalism, burglaries and car thefts. Many old people will not venture out after dark.
In response, the Drimnagh community has rallied round. Local young men carry out night patrols to watch the various institutions in the area.
It is unfortunately a sign of the times.
Volunteer worker at the Mother Catherine McAuley Centre Jim Noble explains how the patrols work. Approximately 80 men are involved. Those reluctant to take part were worried,
That children or people would identify them and attack their homes, in particular.
A high level of community involvement and a good relationship with An Garda Síochána might be the reason why Drimnagh suffers fewer antisocial problems than many other areas. But clearly more effective community policing is needed.
A 'Today Tonight’ report broadcast on 2 February 1984. The reporter is Una Claffey.
'Today Tonight' was an RTÉ current affairs programme with up-to-the-minute coverage of events at home and abroad. ‘Today Tonight’ was first broadcast on 6 October 1980 and ran for 12 years until 1992. Edited by Joe Mulholland, the original presenters included Barry Cowan, Brian Farrell and Olivia O’Leary.
