I can assure the Deputy that I share the concern about incidents of speeding and anti-social driving behaviour and the impact it has on local communities. Effective roads policing is central to the Garda Policing Plan 2013 and road traffic enforcement is high throughout the country.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the areas referred to by the Deputy are located in the Raheny District. I am further advised that is is not possible to provide the total number of roadside checkpoints carried out in the Division referred to by the Deputy, as Gardaí on duty would frequently have occasion to engage and interact with road users in variety of different ways which would not always necessitate further action or be recorded. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. However, I am assured that as part of road traffic enforcement policy in the area, members of An Garda Síochána carry out planned and ‘ad hoc’ checkpoints as required, including mandatory alcohol testing (MAT) checkpoints. In addition, all members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with the enforcement of relevant legislation, including the Road Traffic Acts and persons found engaging in dangerous driving are dealt with in accordance with the law. Specific operations are also conducted targeting anti-social driving behaviour based on analysis of the incidence and location of such behaviour. Garda management closely monitor all patrols and other road traffic strategies in place, with a view to meeting the policing needs of the communities in question, including to address speeding and anti-social driving, and with a view to reducing the number of fatal and serious injuries on our roads.
