Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2013
484. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm the frequency of Garda patrols in the Dublin 1 area that specifically target drug activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30727/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to by the Deputy is within the Store Street sub- district of An Garda Siochána's Dublin North Central Division and that a proactive approach is being applied to tackle all drug activity and anti-social behaviour taking place in this area with the emphasis being placed on known locations associated with this type of behaviour. In this regard a high visibility Policing Plan for the Dublin Metropolitan Region, with a specific policing plan for Dublin City Centre, is in place which involves the deployment of high-visibility uniform personnel conducting dedicated patrols in key commercial areas and public thoroughfares at strategic times, identified through analysis of crime-trends, demand-led policing and the foot-fall for the areas in question. The particular area referred to by the Deputy is the subject of twenty-four hour Garda mobile and foot patrols. These patrols involve the use of uniform high-visibility personnel (both core and non core members, and the Crime Task Force), plain clothes personnel (drugs and crime prevention unit members) and mobile patrols. Furthermore, there is a strong community policing team assigned to the area concerned, headed up by an Inspector and this strategy is concerned with a robust reassurance policing policy involving a high visibility policing presence at key locations and at pertinent times with a significant emphasis on both the day time and night time economy.
In addition, there are a number of targeted Garda operations being conducted in the Dublin North Inner City area which actively combat the issue of drug activity and anti social behaviour, including Operations Stilts, Operation Redline which targets criminals using the Luas Red Line, and Operations Momentum, Wallet and Aughrim, all of which are also focused on tackling criminal activity in the area including drug dealing. In addition, An Garda Síochána also engages extensively with local communities, businesses and others relevant stakeholders with a view to addressing concerns of this nature. In particular, local Garda management based in Store Street Garda station are part of the multi-stakeholder Strategic Response Group (SRG) which issued the report 'A Better City for All' in 2012 and are currently part of the implementation group which is tasked with implementing the recommendations contained in the report which is concerned with addressing public substance misuse and perceived anti-social behaviour in Dublin's City Centre. Finally I am assured by the Garda authorities that local Garda management in the area in question monitor operational strategies in place, including the use of patrols, in conjunction with crime trends and the ongoing policing needs of the local community to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible Garda service continues to be provided in the Dublin 1 area.
