Vol. 545 No. 1
298 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that two serious assaults took place in recent weeks in the vicinity of St. Brendan's Park, Tralee, County Kerry; and the steps the Garda is taking to tackle the serious vandalism and drug-related incidents which occur on a regular basis in the vicinity of the disused north Kerry railway line close to the estate. [29900/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have received one complaint of assault in the vicinity of St. Brendan's Park in recent weeks. This occurred on 11 November 2001, at 1.30 a.m. in a cul-de-sac opposite St. Brendan's church. A 58 year old man was assaulted by two youths and received minor injuries. The Garda investigation is ongoing.
In relation to other offences, I am further informed that, over the past two years, four burglaries have been recorded in St. Brendan's Park. I understand that one of these has been solved and that a suspect has been identified in respect of another. There were three recorded cases of minor criminal damage to vehicles in the park, for which no person has been made amenable. There has been one detection for public order offences in the park.
As the Deputy will be aware, the disused north Kerry railway line is used as a walkway by many local residents. It is also occasionally used for anti-social behaviour and by local criminal elements. As a result, it and adjoining residential areas receive dedicated policing by uniform and plain clothes units resulting in illicit activities being considerably curtailed. I also understand that, in recent years, the local authority has built a boundary wall between the Abbeydorney Road and the entrance to the rail line, inhibiting entry onto the line from the main thoroughfare.
A successful community policing scheme operates in the Cois Coille, Shanakill, Rahoonane and Gallowsfield housing estates. Gallowsfield is adjacent to St. Brendan's Park, which has a neighbourhood watch scheme. Earlier this year, I approved the expansion of the "Connect 7" Garda youth diversion project to cover Shanakill, Rathoonane, Gallowsfield, Cois Coilte and Muing. This involves an increase in funding from £50,000 in 2000 to a sum of £80,000 in 2001 and thereafter. I am informed that the project has been well received by the local communities to date.
