Written Answers - Crime Levels.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
343
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
if his attention has been drawn to an increase in death driving-joyriding in the Crumlin area of Dublin in recent months; if he had any indication from the Garda Commissioner as to how he intends to address the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9485/03]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
351
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
if his attention has been drawn to the increase in death driving-joyriding in the Drimnagh area of Dublin in recent months; if he had any indication from the Garda Commissioner as to how he intends to address the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9493/03]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
364
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
if his attention has been drawn to an increase in death driving-joyriding in the south west inner city area of Dublin in recent months; if he had any indication from the Garda Commissioner as to how he intends to address the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9507/03]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
376
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
if his attention has been drawn to an increase in death driving-joyriding in the Ballyfermot area of Dublin in recent months; if he has any indication from the Garda Commissioner as to how he intends to address the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9521/03]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 343, 351, 364 and 376 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that no increase has been noted in the number of unauthorised takings of mechanically propelled vehicles in the Crumlin and Drimnagh areas of Dublin and that the indications are that such crimes have decreased in the Kevin Street, Kilmainham and Ballyfermot areas recently. I am also informed that in the Kevin Street-Kilmainham district, talks are given by the Garda, including the juvenile liaison officer and community policing gardaí, to juveniles in local schools to educate them on the dangers associated with the unauthorised taking and driving of cars. Gardaí also encourage young people to participate in the motor appreciation courses which take place in the area.
I am assured that the Garda has a number of strategies in place to combat the problem of stolen cars, including, where necessary, the use of targeted operations put in place by local Garda management in areas that have been identified as potential hotspots for joyriding. Specialist patrols and vehicles are concentrated in these areas to deal with public order and joyriding incidents. The Garda is constantly liaising with community groups and a number of projects are in operation which have proved valuable in dealing with offenders. In addition, the Garda and local authorities are working together in relation to estate management and reducing the opportunities for joyriding. For example, physical changes such as barriers and speed ramps are being used to reduce access to areas frequented by youths engaged in these activities.
In relation to abandoned cars, the Waste Management Act 1996 specifically prohibits the abandonment of vehicles on any land and empowers local authorities to deal appropriately with the abandoned vehicles. The enforcement and implementation of these provisions are matters for the individual local authorities. I understand that the local authorities that provide this service have entered into agreements with locally permitted operators to take the vehicles in question for dismantling and-or recovery.
Question No. 344 answered with Question No. 324.
Question No. 345 answered with Question No. 325.
Question No. 346 answered with Question No. 326.
