Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 3

Written Answers. - “Joy-Riding” In Dublin Estates.

Patrick McCartan

Ceist:

209 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the particular problems of the residents of the Moatview, Belcamp and Darndale estates, Dublin 5 of stolen and speeding cars in the past year; if he will consult with the gardaí at Coolock station to establish a special unit to tackle this particular and localised problem; if he will provide such resources as necessary to implement a specific plan to combat this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

The Garda authorities are aware of the problem of so-called "joy-riding" in the areas in question. They report that steps have been taken to deal with the situation, including increased patrolling and the operation of random mobile checkpoints. The community policing scheme has been established in the area and these estates have also received attention from the local crime prevention unit. The Garda authorities report that they have had a considerable degree of success in reducing the incidence of joy-riding in the area. As an indication of their success, the number of unauthorised takings of motor vehicles reported in the Coolock sub-district in 1990 was 36 per cent less than the 1986 figure and the local gardaí are using every endeavour to see to it that this favourable trend continues.

The Garda authorities are satisfied that best use is being made of available resources in tackling this problem and do not consider that organisational change of the type suggested in the question would be of benefit.