The findings

Participation:

• The sense of non-involvement in decision making stands out strongly – 90% say they were not at all involved in decisions about essential services provided by the Irish government and its agencies and authorities, including South Dublin County Council as the local government authority

• Levels of support from representatives of duty bearers were very low – particularly elected representatives and Garda

Housing:

• A third of people said their homes were overcrowded

• Mould, condition and repairs were big issues

Health:

• Half of respondents said they or a member of their household were disabled/or had a chronic illness

• Over half of respondents said access to GP services was difficult or very difficult. Two thirds said access to mental health services were difficult or very difficult

Young people:

• Roughly half of respondents thought that facilities for young people were difficult or very difficult to access

• More than three quarters of respondents said they didn’t feel their area was safe for children and young people

• Youth clubs, playgrounds and community facilities came out as poor, or of poor quality

Discrimination:

• The majority of people surveyed had experienced or witnessed a discriminatory incident, including racism and hate

Poverty:

• Over half of respondents said employment opportunities were difficult or very difficult

• Over 70% of respondents said they had to go without essentials at least once in the last 6 months

• 68% of respondents said they never or hardly ever have disposable income

Education:

• More than eight in ten people said access to schools in their area was ok or easy. There were 15 respondents who said access to schools was difficult or very difficult in their area. They all came from either Balgaddy or Cushlawn

• Regarding quality of local schools, more than one in seven people reported they were good or excellent

• People reported feeling most supported by teachers

Roughly 40% of those surveyed said they would continue to be involved in the project.

This project has received funding from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme as part of the Commission’s statutory power to provide grants to promote human rights and equality under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.