asked the Minister for Justice the frequency of Garda foot patrols in Seán MacDermott Street, Dublin 1, in the environs of Lourdes Church, between the hours of 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.; if he is aware that large groups of youths congregate at this location during the hours mentioned, that they cause havoc for local residents and motorists, creating a no-go area; the action he will take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Garda Dublin Foot Patrols.
35.
As I indicated on 26 March 1987, in reply to a previous question from the Deputy about Garda patrolling of the Seán MacDermott Street area, the Garda authorities refute any suggestion that this area is a "no-go" area. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the problem referred to in the question is receiving particular attention from Garda patrols and that special steps have been taken to involve the local community in the prevention of crime in their area.
It would be contrary to established practice to give details of the patrols operating in a particular area at any particular time but I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Seán MacDermot Street area is patrolled frequently by foot patrols from both Fitzgibbon Street and Store Street stations, augmented by district mobile patrols and patrols from the crime task force.