Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 5

Written Answers - Joyriding Offences.

Seán Haughey

Question:

402 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on an increase in the problem of joyriding in an estate (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in the past fortnight resulting in a number of burnt out cars; the action the Garda can take to tackle this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9814/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that three burnt out cars were removed from the estate in question by Dublin City Council on 31 March-1 April. The Garda is currently investigating whether these cars were reported as stolen.

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 them. The enforcement and implementation of these provisions is a matter for local authorities. Those that provide this service have entered into agreements with locally permitted operators to take the vehicles in question for dismantling and/or recovery.