Security gates are welcomed by residents at Cork housing scheme

Residents of a city centre social housing development have said they are delighted at news that their communal space is to receive security gates.

Four years ago, what was once a city centre garage and a local authority car park became a social housing development containing 43 homes, with 21 one-bed apartments, 16 two-bed and six three-bed houses, a park and a playground.

The scheme — which is managed by Clúid Housing on behalf of Cork City Council — is located in Rutland Square, just off of White St.

In recent times residents say the communal area at the centre of the development has become a magnet for antisocial behaviour and they have been calling for some time for the installation of security gates at two of its three access points.

They say their area has become a haven of antisocial behaviour.

They say that the square’s three entry points making it a rat-run for illicit drinking and drug use.

Fine Gael councillor Shane O’Callaghan has been campaigning since last year for the installation of security gates at the development and he told The Echo those gates are now to be installed.

“I am delighted that the city council executive and Clúid have finally agreed to install security gates at the two Sawmill Street entrances to the Rutland Square apartment complex,” he said.

“For the last eight months, I have kept my motion on the issue in the local area committee and have kept the pressure on by looking for regular updates on how the issue is being progressed.

“Now that they have finally agreed to install them, I have asked the council executive to outline how long the installation of the security gates will take.

“They need to be installed as soon as possible,” Mr O’Callaghan added.

Local resident Brian Duffy said residents were delighted.

“We’re very happy.

“Shane has done a fantastic job for us, and all the residents are extremely grateful to him,” he said.

“The gates are gone for tender and hopefully they’ll be installed soon.”