I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are a number of initiatives in place to counteract public order offending and anti social activities in the Finglas area. The area receives regular patrolling by uniformed car and van units with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence in the area. A community police unit is assigned to the area. Patrols are backed up by foot patrols and mountain bike patrols in addition to the divisional crime task force, divisional traffic unit and detective units.
I am also informed that the Garda, in association with neighbourhood watch groups, resident associations and Dublin City Council, co-ordinates and designs initiatives to target high incident areas. I understand one juvenile liaison officer works full time with children who offend in the Finglas area. In addition an active local drugs task force co-ordinates the efforts of the Garda, the various other agencies and the community in the ongoing fight against drugs.
There is also one Garda youth diversion project in the area, the FAN, Finglas Action Now, project. This project is a community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiative which seeks to divert young persons from becoming involved — or further involved — in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. By doing so, the project also contributes to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda community relations.
I am assured that local Garda management is satisfied that adequate resources exist to meet the policing needs of the area. The current personnel strength at Finglas Garda station across all ranks is 73. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Finglas will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.