Alan Farrell
Question:185. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the status of the work of Operation Citizen in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36487/22]
View answerWednesday, 6 July 2022
Questions (185)
Written answers
In line with goal one of Justice Plan 2022 to tackle crime, enhance national security and transform policing, I have been informed that An Garda Síochána are undertaking a number of operations in Dublin, including Operation Citizen, as part of the government’s overall aim to ensure that people are safe and feel safe in their own community.
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes responsibility for the organisation's approaches to preventing and investigating criminal activity. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that Operation Citizen commenced in Dublin city centre on 22 October 2021. It was initiated to reassure the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin City Centre that it is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy its amenities. The aim of this operation is to deliver an enhanced high visibility policing presence in Dublin city centre on a daily basis. Operation Citizen focuses on collaborative community and stakeholder engagement, as the positive use of the Dublin City centre public realm is not just an issue for An Garda Síochána.
This operation places a particular focus on anti-social behaviour, public order and quality of life issues, assaults and high-volume crimes, and involves increased visible policing, particularly at key locations. In addition to Garda resources from the Dublin Metropolitan Region North Central and South Central divisions, Operation Citizen is supported by resources from the wider Dublin Region, Garda Roads Policing Units, the Garda National Public Order Unit and Garda Operational Support Units (Mounted Unit and Dog Unit).
The Garda authorities advise that there are in excess of 100 Gardaí patrolling Dublin city centre each weekend evening. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 4pm, up to 30 additional Gardaí are deployed specifically on foot patrols in the city centre, resourced from outside the two core city centre divisions. Every Friday and Saturday evening, a Garda National Public Order Unit of 25 personnel (on mobile patrols) patrol the city centre. In excess of 500 additional hours policing are provided each week.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been a total of 3,252 incidents recorded under Operation Citizen covering the period 1 January to 20 June 2022. The total figure includes 1,131 crime and 2,121 non-crime incidents.
An Garda Síochána continues to positively engage with key stakeholders such as Dublin City Council, business groups, the hospitality sector and voluntary bodies in addition to the formal interaction within the Dublin City Centre Business Forum and the High Level Street Issues Committee chaired by the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
As the Deputy may also be aware, in January this year, the Garda authorities launched Operation Saul to further support, enhance and strengthen the strategic and operational objectives of Operation Citizen. The aim of Operation Saul is to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising public transport services in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR).
In addition to the above, Operation Irene commenced in the DMR on 1 June, 2022 and continues until 31 August, 2022. The aim of this operation is to combat under-age alcohol consumption and the consumption of alcohol in public places in the DMR, in a targeted operation through the enforcement of legislation regulating the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol and other associated legislation.
Finally, Operation Limmat is the DMR’s assault in public and public order reduction strategy. The operation promotes a pro-arrest and early-investigation approach to incidents of assault, together with driving high-visibility policing in public places to act as a deterrent to prevent and reduce assaults and public order offences in the DMR.