Vol. 525 No. 3
393 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 10 October 2000, it is a matter of concern that gangs of youths lit a bonfire in the Senior Citizen Complex unhindered by the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25155/00]
As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 10 October a policing plan was put in place in the Bridewell Garda station for the Halloween period. As part of this plan, St. Bricin's Park, along with fifteen other locations were identified by patrols as high priority areas. I am further informed that in the lead up to Halloween, the complex was visited by Garda patrols and that there was no stockpiling of bonfire material in any open areas.
I understand that on Halloween night, a public order van with one sergeant and three gardaí was deployed in addition to normal resources. It appears that local youths carried material to a small bonfire site at 6 p.m. and lit the material immediately. As the gardaí considered that this bonfire was of a minor nature and would burn itself out, without posing any threat to persons or property, the fire brigade was not called. Six youths, who are resident in St. Bricin's Park, were subsequently moved away from the site of the fire.
I also understand that the local corporation depot was contacted by the gardaí and removed the debris the following day. I believe that local gardaí suspect that the material used on this small bonfire was hidden in some garden until immediately before its use on Halloween night.
