Vol. 549 No. 4
257 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda authorities have received a survey and petition from residents of Dargle Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9; his views on the issues raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6999/02]
I am informed by the Garda that local gardaí are aware of the petition in question, to which a number of local residents responded. I am further informed that, in relation to Dargle Road during the period 1 October 2001, to 1 February 2002, two incidents of criminal damage and two incidents of unauthorised taking of motor vehicles were reported. Both motor vehicles were subsequently recovered. I am advised by the Garda that foot and mobile patrols have always been maintained throughout the area by uniform personnel, detective units and the divisional crime task force. I am assured that local Garda management is satisfied that there is no erosion of the residents' confidence in gardaí and has undertaken to reassure the resident who carried out the survey of the Garda commitment to provide a quality service.
The Garda will encourage him to support the local neighbourhood watch scheme. This particular neighbourhood watch scheme is recognised at national level as being among the more resourceful and dedicated of its type and has been promoted as an example to be followed by other similar schemes. I am assured that Dargle Road and its environs are to receive particular attention as part of the new Garda public order initiative, known as "Operation Encounter". An inspector, who has overall responsibility for community policing in the area, has also been asked to re-examine the policing for the specific areas mentioned.
