Mary Upton
Question:494 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the gardaí will be encouraged to use bikes as an effective and visible means of policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18649/03]
Written Answers. - Garda Operations.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that Garda mountain bike units are now established and operating in Galway, Limerick and in eight Garda districts in the Dublin metropolitan region.
Currently there are 102 gardaí trained and equipped to ride Garda mountain bikes. The response to these units from the public has been very favourable. It is proposed to expand the Garda mountain bike unit before the end of 2003.
Tony Gregory
Question:495 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a report can be made available from the Garda authorities on the action they are taking regarding complaints by residents of anti-social activities associated with an off-licence (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18653/03]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that complaints have been received by gardaí at the Bridewell in relation to the premises in question.
I understand that the complaints relate to youths, mostly aged between eight years and 14 years, congregating outside the premises, which consists of an off-licence and newsagents. Gardaí at the Bridewell indicate that the activities of these youths cannot be attributed to the existence of the off-licence, but to the fact that the newsagents/grocery business services an area where the majority of these youths reside.
I also understand that discussions have been held with the Dublin City Council at the request of local residents with a view to blocking off the thoroughfare to and from the area in question. These discussions are still ongoing and no decision in this regard has been made to date.
In the meantime, I am assured that Garda attention is afforded on an ongoing basis by regular mobile and foot patrols.