Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 2

Written Answers. - Crime Levels.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

284 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will attend a meeting with Ayrfield and north Coolock residents leaders at Coolock Garda station in the coming weeks in order that they can outline to him the appalling level of vandalism and youth-related crime they are currently enduring and the need for extra resources by the Garda to combat this crime wave. [13425/00]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the main problems in this area are concerned with joy-riding and anti-social behaviour. As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána have introduced Operation Steering Wheel specifically to deal with the problem of unauthorised takings, joy-riding incidents and public order offences in the area. I understand that a local joy-riding task force is currently drafting a document which will be submitted to the relevant departments for funding to establish a joy-riding diversion programme.

I am also informed that there is a community police garda permanently assigned to community policing in the area. This member liaises with local community representatives and deals with problems which arise. As part of their overall strategy to deal with such incidents, the gardaí have liaised closely with Dublin Corporation in order to have plinth walls etc. constructed to alleviate the problem. Work carried out by Dub lin Corporation to date has resulted in an improvement in the situation.

The crime statistics over the past number of years illustrate that there has been a slight decrease in crime in the identified areas. Quite a significant number of arrests have been made for unauthorised takings, drug offences, public order offences and anti-social behaviour which illustrates that the gardaí have taken positive action to deal with problems.

Bi-monthly meetings are held at Coolock Garda station, attended by representatives of each Neighbourhood Watch Scheme within the sub-district and members of the community policing section of Coolock Garda station. As a result of the efforts of the gardaí, excellent community relations have been established which has resulted in continued co-operation between the gardaí and the local community.

Garda management will continue to meet frequently with residents from the areas concerned and public representatives. I have asked the Garda authorities to keep me advised of developments.