Sir, - A report in your edition of April 11th stated that gardai were called to disperse protesters on April 10th as Northern Area Health Board staff arrived with patients. The residents' association wish to make it absolutely clear that there were no local residents present at Carlton House between 9.30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on April 10th. Around 4.50 p.m. it became apparent that psychiatric patients (rumoured to be six) had in fact taken up residence. When this was realised the picket was withdrawn.
At a scheduled meeting of the residents' association committee at 6.30 that evening, a resolution was passed unanimously to withdraw the peaceful picket from the front of Carlton House. A press release on the withdrawal of the picket was faxed to The Irish Times on the evening of April 10th, and was not published.
From the outset of this dispute the residents have been in conflict with the Northern Area Health Board (NAHB) and never the patients, contrary to media coverage. This conflict has its origins following a meeting with the NAHB on January 15th, when officials of the NAHB failed to address questions from a concerned and fearful community. This entire meeting was recorded on tape.
A private security firm has been on 24-hour guard on Carlton House since early February after the house was vandalised. Garda inquiries are continuing on this issue, which will ultimately vindicate this community.
You rightly highlighted the conflict between the NAHB and the Minister's department with regard to accountability issues of psychiatric patients out in the community. We will make no apology for our concerns on this matter considering there are 43 children under the age of 14 years and 19 young adults in our rural isolated community with no facilities.
The residents' association has worked in close liaison with gardai in Swords at all times. Their guidance is greatly appreciated. - Yours, etc.,
Paddy Brennan, Chairman, Lispopple Balcultry Residents' Association, Swords, Co Dublin.