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Garda Deployment.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2004

Wednesday, 3 November 2004

Ceisteanna (190, 191)

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

246 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the response of the Garda authorities to the serious anti-social activities of gangs of youths in the church grounds in Cabra west, Dublin 7; the number of gardaí available to patrol the area at night-time; if additional gardaí can be made available to this Garda district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27499/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I understand from the Garda authorities that there is a history of anti-social behaviour in the church grounds in question. I am informed that incidents of anti-social behaviour have been greatly reduced as a result of consultations between local Garda management, the divisional crime prevention officer and the local clergy on problem issues in the church grounds and on measures to counteract and reduce these issues. Regular patrolling by Garda mobile and foot patrols which cover the church grounds in question has also contributed to the reduction in the anti-social behaviour. I am further informed that the erection of a new perimeter fence, along with the redesign of the car park following consultation with the crime prevention officer has also contributed to this reduction in anti-social behaviour.

I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Cabra Garda station, as at 29 October 2004, was 64, all ranks. The personnel strength at Cabra Garda station is supplemented by gardaí from the divisional crime task force, the divisional traffic unit and the district detective units as necessary. For security and operational reasons, it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of personnel working in any particular area at any given time.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

247 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda authorities have received reports from residents and public representatives regarding vandalism to cars and homes in the Shandon area of Dublin 7 in recent months; the number of arrests that have been made arising from this; the number of Gardaí available at night time to patrol the area; if additional Gardaí will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27500/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that during September 2004 a number of complaints were received from local residents regarding anti-social behaviour by groups of youths. In response, local Garda management carried out a covert operation, over a number of days, with a view to targeting the individuals involved. As a result, seven youths were stopped, searched and moved on. Eleven youths found drinking were cautioned by gardaí and brought home to their parents. One adult who is alleged to have purchased the alcohol will be subject to criminal proceedings. I understand that there has been one arrest for public order and one arrest for criminal damage in the area. Garda authorities have informed me that, since this operation, there have been no recorded incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Two gardaí are specifically allocated to the area which receives regular patrol from both mobile and foot patrols, and this will continue. Local management also met representatives of three local residents groups on 18 October 2004, who conveyed their appreciation for the Garda action and stated that they had noted the increased Garda presence. An initiative to incorporate the area into a neighbourhood watch scheme is under way.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength, as at 29 October 2004, of Cabra Garda station was 64, all ranks, the strength of Mountjoy Garda station was 88, all ranks, and the strength at Bridewell Garda station was 164, all ranks. For security and operational reasons, it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of personnel working in any particular area at any given time.

Question No. 248 answered with QuestionNo. 116.
Question No. 249 answered with QuestionNo. 119.
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