Vol. 475 No. 6
17 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, the Garda management have for the enhancement of policing in O'Connell Street particularly at night; if her attention has been drawn to particular concerns expressed as to disorder and lawlessness on the street requiring a specific policing response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5487/97]
The detailed deployment of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the O'Connell Street area is policed by gardaí assigned to Store Street Garda station. I understand that foot and mobile patrols are regularly carried out by both uniform and plain clothes personnel. There are special foot patrols on O'Connell Street between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. and these are extended up to 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. at weekends. The divisional task force based at Fitzgibbon Street also patrols and responds to calls for assistance in O'Connell Street and its environs. In addition, a special patrol van, which is assigned to Store Street Garda station and is equipped with a video camera, also operates in the O'Connell Street area. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Office located in O'Connell Street is open to the public daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and midnight.
The Deputy may already be aware that funding was provided as part of the anti-crime measures announced in July 1996, for the extension of the Garda closed circuit television system to the O'Connell Street area as an aid to policing. Work on the system is at an advanced stage and it is expected to be operational shortly. This system will cover O'Connell Street and adjoining streets in the north city centre area. It is envisaged that when operational the system will greatly assist the gardaí in monitoring and detecting all forms of criminal activity in the areas in which the cameras are located.
The Garda authorities estimate that approximately 500,000 people pass through O'Connell Street each day. There are many late night establishments in the general area and patrons going to and leaving such establishments frequently pass through O'Connell Street and occasionally incidents of disorder can occur. However, I understand from the Garda authorities that any incidents of public disorder are monitored and dealt with by the local gardaí. They have further informed me that they are satisfied that the current policing arrangements in place for the O'Connell Street area are adequate to meet its requirements and have assured me that the situation is monitored on a continuous basis and any necessary changes made.
