Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
992. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the increase in public order offences and anti-social behaviour in the Grand Canal Square and Hanover Quay areas, a significant business and tourist centre; and the actions being taken to address this growing problem. [36859/13]
View answerIn line with good community policing principles, An Garda Síochána engage constructively with community and business interests in the area in question to address relevant issues of concern. This includes liaison with the Pearse Street Local Policing Forum, as well as the South Quays Business Watch initiative. During the recent period of good weather, the area of the Grand Canal Dock attracted large numbers of young people who engaged primarily in swimming and diving in the Grand Canal Dock. An Garda Síochána met with local businesses on 4 July to discuss their concerns surrounding the activities of a small minority of these young people and additional foot and mountain bike patrols were put in place in the Grand Canal Dock area and the services of the Garda Water Unit were also availed of. A further meeting with local businesses was held on 23 August and I am advised that those who attended were complimentary of the proactive patrolling and common sense manner in which An Garda Síochána policed the area during this period. An Garda Síochána will of course continue to respond to concerns surrounding anti-social behaviour and other policing issues in the area, using the range of powers available to them and through engagement with local community and business interests.
