asked the Minister for Justice if he agrees that bad public lighting contributes to crime and vandalism; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Lighting and Crime.
8.
(Limerick East): I am informed by the Garda authorities that, while they have no factual data on the matter, they have no doubt that inadequate public lighting in populated areas facilitates the commission of acts of crime and vandalism.
Has the Minister any contract with the local authorities in built-up areas in regard to improving public lighting, particularly in the cities?
(Limerick East): The provision of public lighting in public or private housing estates is not a matter for the Minister for Justice.
I appreciate that, but in view of the Minister's statement that he realises there is a link between vandalism and the quality of public lighting, has he been or will be get in touch with local authorities in regard to public lighting in areas where this is a problem?
(Limerick East): It would not be appropriate for me to get in touch with local authorities but I can mention the matter to the Minister for the Environment. I understand from a previous question by Deputy Mac Giolla that the Minister for the Environment is aware of the situation.
One of the functions of crime prevention committees which the Minister is sponsoring is to arrange that all the facilities are there to help to prevent crime. This is one of the things that is most urgent. In the north side of the city the police are involved with local communities to have laneways closed and cul-de-sacs created. The Garda have been instrumental in getting this kind of work done. Since the home watch system is being piloted in the city does the Minister not agree that, as has happened in other countries, the home watch and block watch systems have meant a watch on the environment and are concerned about aspects such as public lighting? If this is not done people may become frustrated at lack of development, and crime levels will consequently continue.
(Limerick East): What Deputy Woods has said makes sense — it is very good. Deputy Mac Giolla asked if I agreed that the bad public lighting contributes to crime and vandalism and if I would make a statement on the matter. I have said that there are no statistics on the matter to support the theory that bad public lighting contributes to crime and vandalism. On the other hand, I am not responsible for the provision of public lighting.
Would the Minister investigate a situation that has arisen in Ballyfermot where bad public lighting has been aggravated by a curtailment of bus services and this has affected the crime rate? I am asking the Minister to have it investigated.
(Limerick East): I will communicate that.
The Minister for Transport could be very helpful.