Vol. 518 No. 6
495 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the concerns raised at the public meeting (details supplied) in Dublin 7 regarding anti-social behaviour by a small minority of youths in the area and the need for the utilisation of greater Garda resources in the area will be fully responded to by the Garda authorities; the measures that will be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12965/00]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that having identified and reviewed policing problems affecting Cabra west, a policing strategy has been drawn up and implemented. This two pronged strategy addresses the areas of law enforcement and Garda interaction with the public.
With regard to law enforcement, I am informed that areas of high anti-social behaviour have been identified. These areas are now the subject of extra foot patrols and extra mobile patrols during peak times. With alcohol consumption identified as being a factor behind the majority of anti-social behaviour, licensed premises and off-licenses have been inspected and owners advised on the relevant legislation with regard to selling to the underage and the penalties for such breaches.
I understand that the high visibility policing has resulted in favourable comments from the residents of Cabra west, and that a number of arrests have been made for public order offences and other crimes.
The second prong of the Garda policing strategy is focused on Garda interaction with the public. I am informed that there is now a full-time community police garda unit attached to Cabra Garda station, with specific responsibility for Cabra west area. This has resulted in a greater positive interaction between the gardaí and residents of Cabra west, and it is intended to further develop relations with the community.
To this end, the gardaí have been proactive in highlighting the community awareness about the drug problems. A drug awareness meeting was held in the Cabra sub-district. This was a public meeting that met with a favourable response from the community. It is hoped to hold a similar meeting targeting junior and leaving certificate students prior to the results being issued with a view to making them aware of the dangers of alcohol and drug consumption on celebrating exam results.
Trips have been organised for local community groups to visit prisons, showing the reality of prison life. Community gardaí are involved in visiting the elderly, sports and social groups in the area. The local community gardaí are involved in the steering committee of the John Paul Park Project, a £3 million sports development to target at risk people, and they are also involved in initiatives in Dunard estate, such as the pony club and schools programme.
