Vol. 486 No. 1
722 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands whether she will introduce provisions under the Canals Act, 1986 and under subsequent 1988 by-laws which would prohibit the practice of drinking alcohol along stretches of the canals which is causing a great deal of intimidation to residents who live along the canals in certain stretches of Dublin city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1270/98]
I am aware that alcohol and other drug abuse is a major problem in some areas of Dublin city, including on certain stretches of the canals which are open for public amenity use. People who engage in substance abuse on canal property present a danger to themselves with perhaps the risk of drowning, and they may also cause a nuisance or threat to local residents, walkers, and other canal users. In such circumstances the assistance of the gardaí is sought whenever a public order problem is reported. There is provision under section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, for ths seizure of alcohol by the gardaí from a person who is intoxicated in certain circumstances in a public place. I believe that the effective enforcement of this legislation offers the best way to tackle the problem.
The Garda Síochána have the full co-operation of my Department in carrying out the full and effective exercise of their duties and functions. I appeal to members of the public to report any public order disturbance on canal property to the gardaí in the first instance.
