Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 3

Written Answers. - Crime Levels.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

295 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the level of anti-social behaviour, crime, vandalism, joyriding and other problems in the Dublin 15 area, particularly in local authority housing estates; if his attention has further been drawn to the report of the manager of Fingal County Council in relation to this problem; if he has proposals to deal with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17996/01]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management are working closely with Fingal County Council and local residents in order to address the problem of anti-social behaviour in the relevant housing estates. In this regard, I am aware of the report to which the Deputy refers. I understand that the Garda Síochána and Fingal County Council are currently considering measures to restrict access to green areas, where much anti-social and criminal activities occur. In addition, I understand that the council is considering the introduction of by-laws similar to the intoxicating liquor by-laws introduced by Dublin Corporation in 2000, which have proved to be successful in areas where they are in place.

With regard to the operational response of the Garda Síochána, eight community gardaí are allocated full-time to the areas in question. In addition, a Garda mobile patrol is dedicated to these areas from 2 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily. The level of mobile policing is increased over the extended weekend period by two vans. I am assured by the Garda authorities that the level of policing is adequate to deal with the problems of the area.