Vol. 443 No. 9
43 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice if she will request the Garda authorities to provide more regular foot and mobile patrols along Dorset Street, Dublin 1, where there have been numerous attacks on shopowners recently, many of which appear to be drug related; and if she will have arrangements made for additional gardaí to be assigned to Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station, Dublin 1, which has responsibility for the Dorset Street district.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Dorset Street area is policed from Fitzgibbon Street and Mountjoy Garda stations. The current Garda strength at these stations is 101 and 85 respectively.
The Garda authorities inform me that the Dorset Street area is patrolled by uniformed and detective mobile and foot units on a regular basis. There is a total of six patrol cars, one patrol van and three motorcycles allocated to these two stations and regular patrols are carried out in the Dorset Street area.
In addition, there are three Community gardaí allocated full-time to community policing duties in the Dorset Street area. These gardaí carry out foot patrols in the area and liaise with the local business community on an ongoing basis. I understand that discussions are currently underway between the Garda and the local business community with regard to establishing a Business Watch Scheme in the Dorset Street area. The Divisional Crime Task Force Unit and the Divisional Drugs Units also pay particular attention to the Dorset Street area and carry out patrols in the area.
The Garda authorities are satisfied that the current policing arrangements for the Dorset Street area are adequate to meet the needs of the area. They are keeping these arrangements under continuing review and any changes considered necessary will be made.
