Paul Donnelly
Question:429. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a report on Garda Operation Canter; and if this operation is still active. [32345/23]
View answerTuesday, 4 July 2023
Questions (429)
Written answers
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 operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am advised that Operation Canter was established in November 2019 to target drug dealing, criminality and anti-social behaviour in the areas of Sherriff Street, Amiens Street, Gloucester Place, Rutland Street, Summerhill Parade, Sean O' Casey Avenue, Matt Talbot Court, Ballybough Road and East Wall, Dublin 3. Operation Canter is an ongoing, active operation.
I understand that Operation Canter comprises two Sergeants and 10 Gardaí, seconded from Store Street and Mountjoy Garda Stations, and the operation is supported by members attached to the Community Policing Unit, the Divisional Drugs Unit, District Detective Unit, Divisional Traffic Unit, Core Units, the Criminal Intelligence Office and Criminal Assets Profiling Unit.
An Garda Síochána continues to positively engage with key stakeholders such as the Local Community Safety Partnership, Dublin City Council, and various Youth Diversion Projects such as SWAN, Belvedere Youth Club, Ballybough Youth Project, and is the lead agency in the ongoing successful ‘Bridge Project’ to tackle anti-social behaviour at the Samuel Beckett and other bridges crossing the River Liffey during the summer months.
Finally, I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and a number of priority actions are contained in the Programme for Government and Justice Plan 2023 to reduce instances of such behaviour and help people to be safe and feel safe in their local communities. Justice Plan 2023, published earlier this year, will continue my Department’s focused commitment to working with An Garda Síochána, local communities and wider society to eliminate such behaviour and support community safety into the future.