Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2007
195 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the problems in the Ranelagh area being caused by a group of young adults, who smash bottles, leave rubbish on the ground and make it difficult for people to sleep at night; the steps he has taken to ensure this behaviour ceases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9401/07]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes Gardaí from the Donnybrook and Terenure Garda Districts with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence in the area. These patrols are backed up by District Detective and Drug Units, Community Policing personnel, the District Mountain Bike Units as well as the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. During weekends there are also dedicated public order patrols specifically targeting public disorder and anti-social behaviour in the Garda Districts referred to and, where appropriate, powers under the Litter Pollution Act are also enforced.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that current policing plans in the area are predicated on the prevention of anti-social and public order offences; the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. This strategy will continue to be central to the delivery of a policing service to the area.
