Vol. 442 No. 8
17 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if she has received a request from the Iona and District Residents' Association, Dublin 9, for a meeting to discuss crime and vandalism and traffic law enforcement including special restrictions at the time of major sporting events at the neighbouring Croke Park; if she is agreeable to such a meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a Special Task Force based at Mountjoy Station, consisting of three sergeants and 20 gardaí, was set up to deal with an increase in crime in the area. This unit, which operates in the North Central Division, pays particular attention to the Iona-Drumcondra area. In addition, a special Crime Prevention Unit has been established to work in conjunction with the Detective Unit at Mountjoy Station. This unit has targeted particular streets and roads in the area.
As a result of measures taken by the gardaí, the general level of crime in the area has been considerably reduced and many offenders have been arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law.
As regards traffic law enforcement, local gardaí take all possible steps to control the parking of vehicles in the general locale, on major sporting events. On such occasions, two or three tow-trucks are allocated to the area. The gardaí are satisfied that this allocation of tow-trucks—in conjunction with other traffic restrictions and control measures — is sufficient to deal with instances of illegal parking which come to their attention on match-days.
Finally, I should state that I have not received any request from the association concerned for a meeting to discuss the issues mentioned by the Deputy. I understand from the Garda authorities that meetings are held on a regular basis between representatives of the association and local community gardaí since the association was formed, and that these meetings are attended by the Garda Superintendent from fitzgibbon Street Station or an Inspector from the station.
