Thank you for allowing me to raise this issue in the House. I regret that I have reason to do so but O'Connell Street, as the premier street in our capital city, was once very attractive and renowned throughout the world. It was a well-known tourist area and people strolled and window-shopped in it. It was an area for courting couples and families, particularly in the evenings and at weekends.
Regrettably, this position has changed drastically in recent years and O'Connell Street has now become a no-go area, particularly after 8 p.m. People are now afraid to walk down this street, groups congregate and intimidate ordinary people, which is totally unacceptable. It is up to the Garda authorities to ensure that people can walk on our streets in safety.
On St. Patrick's Day the situation got completely out of hand. The Garda are aware of this and I hope it will never happen again. Undesirable elements loitering in the vicinity of the fountain are causing grave concern; I have been informed that recently a youth in broad daylight stood on the statue, took off his clothes and urinated into the fountain in front of the general public. Where were the Garda? Tourists having a meal in a nearby restaurant were heard to ask what is becoming of Dublin. I am also aware that on other occasions tourists were intimidated crossing the street, they were chased into a restaurant and the Garda had to be called to escort them from it.
From the point of view of planning, O'Connell Street is a disaster area. I say that as a public representative. While I accept the need for some fast food outlets, it is totally unacceptable that our main city street has 20 fast food outlets and a number of casinos, some of which are attracting undesirable elements to the area. The congregation of these groups and intimidation is obviously affecting trade in the area. I am aware that at present 30 employees in one area are on protective notice because of the drop in trade as a direct consequence of these activities.
I watched the Minister on the "Late Late Show" last Friday night and he was made well aware of the great concern and anger of people present. In the short term, extra resources by way of manpower and equipment will have to be provided and there will also have to be a visible presence. However, this cannot be at the expense of other areas in the city, which seems to be the solution at present.
We must ensure that the needs of many of the young people congregating in O'Connell Street are met. Recreational facilities will have to be provided in some of the urban communities around Dublin so that young people have an alternative to loitering on street corners in the city centre. This is a major issue and I hope the Minister can give a commitment to provide resources and facilities for young people so that the problem will be addressed.