asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the deep concern that exists among the people of Donnycarney about the level of crime and vandalism and the inadequacy of Garda patrol strength and activity in the area; and if he will take urgent measures to improve the situation.
Written Answers. - Donnycarney (Dublin) Policing Arrangements.
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Limerick East): The precise arrangements for the policing of individual areas are a matter for the Garda authorities and the allocation of manpower between patrol duty and other duties is a matter for the local Garda officers having regard to available resources, local circumstances, other demands on Garda services and the time of day or night.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are aware of the concern of residents of Donnycarney about incidents of crime and vandalism in the area and that Garda officers at Raheny have had a meeting with local residents about the matter. I understand that malicious damage to a local school gave rise to particular concern and that eight young boys — roughly in the ten to 12 year old age bracket — who were involved in that incident are being dealt with under the juvenile liaison officer scheme which provides for an alternative to prosecution for young offenders subject to certain conditions.
As regards measures to deal with the incidence of crime in the Donnycarney area, I am informed by the Garda authorities that special anti-vandalism patrols have been introduced and that the area is receiving regular attention from mobile patrols operating from both Clontarf and Raheny stations. These measures will be kept under review by the local Garda officers so as to ensure that resources are being deployed to best advantage in combating crime and vandalism in the area.