Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2013
362. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will instruct the Garda Commissioner to deploy a second public order van to the Temple Bar area over the Christmas-New Year season to tackle alcohol-related crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52721/13]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that the Dublin City Centre Policing Plan, which is a high visibility Policing Plan for the Dublin Garda Region including Dublin City Centre, has been operational since June 2013.
I am further informed that a specific plan is in place in the Dublin City area, including the Temple Bar area, which provides dedicated high visibility patrols on key thoroughfares at relevant times dictated by crime trends, footfall and demand led studies in the area. The plan includes the deployment of a dedicated Public Order Van each Friday and Saturday from 11am to 4am.
Under Operation Aughrim routine patrols, including dedicated plain clothes foot patrols, are assigned to the Temple Bar area and adjoining streets each Friday and Saturday night. Two Gardaí from the Community Policing Unit, Pearse Street Garda Station are assigned to the area and maintain liaison with the residents, businesses and other stakeholders. Ongoing consultation is maintained with the Temple Bar Traders association and the Dublin Business Improvement District (BID).
While the deployment of specific Garda resources is of course a matter for the Garda authorities, I am advised that the situation in the area is monitored on an ongoing basis. Local Garda Management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in the area to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
