Vol. 537 No. 2
357 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increased amount of vandalism and anti-social behaviour due to the number of pubs in Camden Street, Dublin 8; if he will ensure that more gardaí patrol the Heytesbury Street area; if he will also ensure that there is more use of closed circuit television in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15993/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no evidence to suggest that the increase in licensed premises or the extended opening hours of licensed premises has led to an increase in vandalism or anti-social behaviour in the Camden Street area. The Garda authorities consider that this area is no different from any other street in the city in so far as public order issues are concerned and they are satisfied that they have sufficient resources available to them to deal with the matter. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that operational needs will dictate the level of service provided at any given time, and fluctuations in this regard may occur.
I am further informed that the policing of Camden Street is undertaken jointly by Harcourt Terrace and Kevin Street Garda stations. It is constantly patrolled by uniformed members of the Garda Síochána and by members of the detective units, as well as by specialist units such as the divisional crime task force, drug units, special resource units and community policing units.
In addition, the Camden Street and surrounding areas receive special attention under Operation Oíche, which focuses on high-visibility policing with the specific aim of addressing public order issues, particularly when pubs and night clubs close. I am also informed that the policing of the Camden Street and surrounding areas is a top priority for both the superintendents at Kevin Street and Pearse Street Garda stations and that this will continue. The Heytesbury Street area, which runs parallel to Camden Street, is another location that receives constant attention by Kevin Street Garda station, and this will also continue.
With regard to the provision of closed circuit television – CCTV – the Deputy will be aware that last November I announced that a total of £12 million was to be allocated towards the installation of CCTV systems nationwide over the next three years. Although the Camden Street area was not among the ten locations prioritised for the provision of such facilities in the period 2001-02, the matter is being kept under review in the context of a further tranche of CCTV expansion that will be announced in due course.
Question No. 358 withdrawn.
