A Government-backed plan to deal with issues facing Cherry Orchard, one of Dublin's most deprived areas, is to be published in April, Newstalk has learnt. 

The Cherry Orchard Implementation Board was set up in the wake of escalating violence in 2022 that included cars being burnt out, open drug-dealing and joyriding.

The Justice Minister stepped in after a Garda car was rammed, providing funding to address problems facing the community.

Chair of the board, Brendan Foster, said thousands of homes planned for the area will bring employment and much needed facilities. 

“A lot of the residents, a lot of the community based organisations would say that other the years they’ve had some false dawns, they’ve had plans, they’ve had lots of launches,” he said.

“Some of the… State agencies haven’t actually followed the funding. 

“So you actually see on the ground, from Dublin City Council’s perspective, from a land development perspective, there will be lots of construction related activity.” 

The sign at the entrance to the Cherry Orchard housing estate, in West Dublin, Ireland.

Mr Foster added that improving the area will not happen overnight and described it as a long-term project. 

“It’s not a one year, two year, it’s at least a five year type of plan,” he said. 

“Anything shorter than that, I think, would make it a useless exercise. 

“Hopefully, it’s within the gift of Government to ensure that they stand these [promises] up.” 

The Cherry Orchard Implementation Board includes representatives from An Garda Síochána, Tusla, the HSE, Dublin City Council and the local community.

Main image: Cherry Orchard.