Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Projects.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

547 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda Síochána pilot initiative in Tallaght, Dublin 24, to help local housing tenants to build up contacts with the local gardaí in liaison with the county council will be extended to the north and west Clondalkin areas which contain high densities of local authority housing. [8284/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the divisional and district officers and representatives from South Dublin County Council launched the initiative in Tallaght between local gardaí and South Dublin County Council on 13 November 1998. At present weekly clinics of two hours duration are conducted at Fettercairn, Jobstown and Killinarden community centres. The service is designed to give the local community within these areas convenient access to the gardaí and the housing section of South Dublin County Council.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a comprehensive review of the initiative will be conducted after a period of six months in operation, at which stage the feasibility of extending the initiative will be considered. Pending the outcome of this review there are no plans to extend the initiative to the Clondalkin area.

I am also advised by the Garda authorities that any decision made to extend the initiative to the Clondalkin area will take account of local demand for such a service, availability of suitable accommodation and any other initiatives operating in the relevant area. It should also be borne in mind that there is currently in place in the relevant area, a high level of consultation between An Garda Síochána and local authority officials, albeit in a less structured manner.

The recently launched integrated services project is an example of where the gardaí, the community, voluntary organisations and statutory agencies come together to address local issues. This project is under way in four designed areas – Dublin's north east inner city, the canal communities, Jobstown in Tallaght and Togher in Cork. The aim of this project is to develop a more focused and co-ordinated response by the statutory agencies to the needs of the communities. The ultimate objective is to develop from this a model of best practice from a diversity of experience which can be replicated in other areas of disadvantage.

The Deputy will be aware that the process of maintaining and developing good community relations is a high priority with the gardaí who are committed to working closely with the local communities. I consider that one of the most important developments in recent years has been the obvious improvement in relations between the Garda Síochána and disadvantaged urban communities. Both the communities and the gardaí are to be commanded for their work in this area.