Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1079. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if all district neighbourhood watch scheme meetings have resumed within DMR; and if not, the districts within DMR that currently do not have neighbourhood watch scheme meetings. [1138/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, by law the Garda Commissioner is responsible for operational policing matters, including the operation of the Neighbourhood Watch Schemes. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the District Neighbourhood Watch Scheme meetings have resumed in the following divisions within the DMR:
• DMR North Division
• DMR South Division
• DMR East Division
• DMR North Central Division
In the DMR West Division, engagement with Neighbourhood Watch groups has resumed and is ongoing in each district across the DMR West Division. In 2022 and 2023, local Policing Forum meetings, held each quarter, replaced individual Neighbourhood Watch Scheme meetings in the L District, however, quarterly Neighbourhood Watch meetings are resuming for 2024.
In the DMR South Central Division, there are fourteen Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in place. There are three schemes that have not resumed meetings as of yet, as outlined below:
• Ceannt Fort Neighbourhood Watch
• James Street/Mountbrown Neighbourhood Watch
• CIE Works Neighbourhood Watch
The Community Policing member for the areas that cover these three schemes has continued engagement with the residents of these particular areas, ensuring the locations are sufficiently patrolled.
