Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
459. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the number of foot, bicycle and other patrols, broken down by patrol type, carried out in each Garda district in Dublin as part of Operation Citizen during each month from January 2022 to May 2023; the financial resources specifically dedicated to Operation Citizen from January 2022 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29682/23]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion in Budget 2023.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for all operational policing decisions, and as the Accounting Officer of An Garda Síochána has responsibility for the Garda budget. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however assured by the Garda authorities that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review to ensure their optimum use. Factors considered include crime trends, population stats and ongoing operations.
Operation Citizen was commenced with a view to assuring people that Dublin City is safe through high visibility patrolling and community engagement. The Operation commenced in October 2021 for the purpose of providing reassurance to citizens, visitors and the business community that Dublin city centre is a safe place in which to visit, conduct business, socialise and enjoy its amenities.
The aim of the operation is to deliver an enhanced high visibility policing presence in the city centre on a daily basis. Operation Citizen focuses on a collaborative community and stakeholder engagement approach, recognising that many of the issues that manifest themselves in the core city centre require a response that reaches beyond the Garda Síochána alone.
An Garda Síochána continue to positively engage with key stakeholders including Dublin City Council, business groups, the hospitality sector and voluntary bodies in addition to the formal collaboration within the Dublin City Centre Business Forum, the North Inner City Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), the Dublin Central Joint Policing Committee (JPC) and the High Level Street Issues Working Group.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that Gardaí assigned to Operation Citizen continue to be deployed on beat patrol. I am informed that on a daily basis there are eight (8) mobile patrols patrolling the core city centre for each tour, assigned from both Store Street and Pearse Street Garda Stations. Where a requirement arises, mobiles assigned to the Bridewell, Mountjoy, Kevin Street and the wider DMR also provide a response capability.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Station on O'Connell Street was officially opened on 10 March 2023. The station provides a base for the deployment of members assigned to Operation Citizen and also a centre for members of the public to call to report a crime, seek advice or speak to a member of An Garda Síochána. The Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS) also provides a presence in the location for the purpose of providing additional assistance and advice to the general public and visitors to the city centre. While the premises is not designated as a place of detention, it operates as a Garda Station with full services available to members of the public.
I am informed that Garda Members of the Garda Mounted, Garda Dog Unit, Armed Support Unit and DMR Roads Policing Unit support Operation Citizen by way of high visibility beats and mobile patrols, particularly at weekends and in support of organised events.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that Gardaí assigned to Operation Citizen continue to be deployed on beat patrol. Members dedicated to Operation Citizen are not routinely deployed on mobile patrols, however, typically, on a daily basis there are 8 mobiles patrolling the core city centre for each tour, assigned from both Store Street and Pearse Street Garda Stations. Where a requirement arises, mobiles assigned to the Bridewell, Mountjoy, Kevin Street and the wider DMR also provide a response capability.
Members of the Garda Mounted, Garda Dog Unit, Armed Support Unit and DMR Roads Policing Unit support Operation Citizen by way of high visibility beats and mobile patrols, particularly at weekends and in support of organised events.
