Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Nov 1990

Vol. 403 No. 1

Written Answers. - County Wicklow Crime.

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

63 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the steps he intends to take to stop attacks and robberies from cars belonging to tourists and hill walkers in the Wicklow mountains area; if his attention has been drawn to the growing concern as expressed by the Association for Adventure Sports with the growth in this type of crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the problem of attacks on individuals and larcenies from cars in the Wicklow mountains is being given special attention by the Garda and that a number of measures have been taken by them to deal with the situation. These include the deployment of additional Garda patrols in the area as a preventive measure.

I am also informed that attacks on tourists have been the subject of ongoing discussions between Garda representatives and Bord Fáilte and that agreed counter-measures include the printing and distribution of literature giving practical advice to tourists and visitors generally, on such matters as car security and the safety of personal belongings.

The Garda authorities are satisfied that the measures taken by them to date are proving to be effective and they have informed me that the situation will continue to be kept under review.