Vol. 489 No. 3
220 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures, if any, the gardaí will take to ensure that the location (details supplied) in Dublin 1 is no longer a no-go area at night time with open drug dealing, gangs congregating and a general air of lawlessness prevailing. [7849/98]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area in question is not, and never has been, a no-go area. I am informed also that, following redevelopment, there is a significant number of young persons residing in the area and that there have been problems arising from drug abuse, public order offences and stolen vehicles.
However, members of the force assigned to the area as part of Operation Dóchas sought, and received, the assistance of parents in the area to respond to these problems. I am also informed that gardaí involved in Operation Dóchas, and in the divisional drugs unit, have a good relationship with the north inner city community generally and are working in co-operation with members of the community to respond to local problems.
Since December 1997, this area has received special Garda attention to deal with the drugs situation in particular and an number of persons have been charged with offences under the Mis-use of Drugs Act, 1977. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that this special attention will continue and that the area will receive appropriate assistance and attention from the Garda Síochána.
