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Anti-Social Behaviour

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2013

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

Questions (389)

Finian McGrath

Question:

389. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will advise the residents in Dublin's northside on their options in relation to "neighbours from hell syndrome" where there is intimidation, harassment and dog issues; if the Garda will act on these kinds of situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44129/13]

View answer

Written answers

I can assure the Deputy that any complaints made to the Gardaí in relation to the type of situations referred to by the Deputy will be fully investigated. In this regard there is a range of strong legislative provisions available to an An Garda Síochána to combat anti-social behaviour, including provisions under the Criminal Damage Act 1991, Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003, and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts 2003 and 2008.

Policing policy in the area in question is predicated on the prevention of 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 of the area. Community Policing Units have evolved a good partnership approach to problem solving with the community and are engaged in a number of community focussed initiatives including, Joint Policing Committees, Community Policing and Safety Fora and Neighbourhood Watch. A dedicated email address has also been established in the DMR North Division, DMR.North.Community@garda.ie, to facilitate direct communication of any issues which are affecting the community.

The Deputy will appreciate that legislation on noise nuisance comes within the remit of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. I am advised that a person experiencing noise nuisance may contact their local authority and that a public information leaflet, A Guide to the Noise Regulations, outlining the legal avenues available to persons experiencing noise nuisance, is available on the website of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, www.environ.ie.

In the absence of specific details as to the nature or location of the incidents, or of the intimidation referred to, it is not possible to provide a specific response from the Garda authorities on this matter. However, if a person feels that a crime has been committed they should contact their local Garda station. As well as contacting the Gardaí directly, information can be provided to An Garda Síochána by way of the Garda confidential line, 1800 666 111, which is a monitored freephone line that allows members of the public to contact An Garda Síochána with information of a confidential nature.

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