Cllr. Burrell Welcomes Action on Graffiti

"I am glad to see this initiative is continuing on from the the original Pilot Scheme where Bray was one of the selected towns. I believe it has been very a very successful worthwhile project which has curbed a lot of the problems we have had here in Bray with Graffiti. First impressions do count and an ongoing cooperative effort is required between the townspeople, the business community and local groups, such as the RAPID teams and the local authorities, to ensure that the town is well presented. It is a little disappointing though that this new Scheme will not continue to cover the whole town but will only apply to Rapid areas." said Cllr. Burrell.

Graffiti is a major issue in every community and this initiative will give another significant boost in combating the problem. The Programme, which is supported by the Department of Justice, Environment and Community, will be managed, co-ordinated and delivered through Pobal who will work with Graffiti-removal Companies. The programme will fund the following range of activities: Graffiti removal - Practical identification and removal of any graffiti within a public space, or on private property which is visible from a public space, Identification of improved landscape design - which will include work with Local Authorities, businesses or others to identify methods to reduce the targeting of individual sites for graffiti and the impact of graffiti on these sites by the improvement of planting, fencing and other arrangements, Targeted Initiatives (including training initiatives) - to work with young adult offenders or young adults at risk to include them in anti-graffiti activities, Educational Initiatives on graffiti with broad groups of young people within the targeted area, to educate children on the effects and impact of graffiti on the quality of life of local communities, to broaden the understanding of young people of graffiti as an issue of environmental degradation, Supporting businesses in self-help to stop or remove graffiti - funds can be made available to supply business with graffiti cleaning kits, or to offer advice and support on preventative anti-graffiti measures, and Community arts projects to divert young people from destructive graffiti.

"Providing grants ranging from €30,000 to €150,000 to community groups will hit the problem where it hurts most - in the local community. There is no single perfect solution. These grants will empower local groups to take the action that is most appropriate in their area. In this way we can learn the most effective way of eliminating the scourge of graffiti - now reaching epidemic levels, which hopefully in the long-term will change peoples behaviour through education and raising awareness. All areas of the country are eligible to apply for subsequent sets of funds, with applications being accepted from May 2008. I would encourage local groups in the town to apply for funding under this new graffiti reduction programme and Application forms are now available.” concluded Cllr. Burrell.

For further information please contact:
Caroline Burrell on 086-314 0453; email: burrell@wicklowgreens.org