Russell James' Blog

I always seem to attract unwanted attention.

First of all, here is a rant on the topic of public transport. I leave Waterford at 1820, arrive in Balbriggan at 10.50. On a Sunday, I leave at 1800 and arrive back at 10. Something is amiss. Firstly, my train was replaced from Kildare to Heuston by a bus due to engineering works. As I got off the replacement bus, what happened? My Luas back to the city centre pulled away from the stop. Missed it! Then whilst waiting at the stop, another so-and-so who would hang around the stop, how should I say it, asked me for my “fucking” headphones. I continued to read my book as I know, it is best to say nothing to these people. (this bit to be continued later). As I got on my Luas there was a right oul commotion. A group of (whats the politically correct way of saying it?) international residents were on the tram, dancing, running about, and playing really loud music. It was proper Stavros Flatley style and all. Then as I pulled up towards the stop at Busaras, the 101 to Drogheda pulled away. Not another bus for an hour. No worries, I’ll run and get the train since there is one at 2225 ex. Pearse Station. OH NO IT ONLY RUNS MONDAY TO FRIDAY LIKE BACK IN THE 1960’S. JOY OF JOYS

< rant over >

As it happens though I can’t tell you how strongly I feel on this issue of wanting the streets back. Dublin has been riddled with social issues over the last number of years and civil rights entitles everyone to be free and to walk around the place. That I am not denying. My issue however,( and I am sure is a similar issue from Balbriggan to Blackrock, and from Drimnagh to Dalkey) is that you cannot walk around this city without feeling intimidated. I get the Luas very often, at least once a week. But I am so fed up of the Luas feeling like the build up to a mugging. I will admit, my style, my hair and as of late, my headphones draw attention to myself more so than others. However, can some people not just keep their noses out of other people’s lives. I am tired of waiting on the sardine can that is the Luas, which by the way, I always pay my fare for, and feeling that I am like a social punchbag for these people.

When you get off it, you don’t feel any safer. It is a Saturday night in Dublin, rather late at about 9pm. Yet I see tonnes of young kids, maybe around 10 or 12 years of age, running around in the city? And then there is the teenagers standing around as well. You walk past them trying not to make the slightest bit of eye contact as yet again, you feel like you are gonna get your hands chopped off if you do.

Dublin is a wonderful city. I love the city. I just am now getting so sick of feeling the need to have the police on speed dial every time want to walk around the place, or even get out of the city! There is a hundred and one laws on anti-social behaviour in this country ranging  from drinking in public places to loitering. Is it a case that after a certain hour on certain days, members of the Gardai are placed on duty on a tram or at a Luas stop, rather than being employed to overload a police station during the day. Safety is an issue at night time moreso than the day. Car accidents mostly happen in the dead of night, robberies mostly take place in the late hours, muggings rarely happen in broad daylight.

Tonight, nothing happened to me. But I couldn’t help find myself clutching my baggage with a firm grip all evening, whilst also holding onto my pockets with dear life. Tonight, I was safe. Tomorrow night, who knows? Tonight, someone may look at someone in a way, and may have their eyes gouged out come the morning. It is like anarchy in this city right now. Respect is what is lacking big time in this city. This isn’t a crime issue, this isn’t a gang thing, this isn’t about drug use. This is a simple thing. Respect everyone, respect their property and respect their personal space. Not too much to ask is it? Or is asking for our streets back too big a question?