I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Spire began on 27 May 2013 and will remain in place until the end of 2013 when it will be reviewed and evaluated.
Operation Spire provides for a high visibility policing presence specifically on O'Connell Street at critical times to address anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and related crime. The area is patrolled by uniform patrols supplemented as required by Crime Prevention Unit and Divisional Crime Task Force personnel and additional resources are deployed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
As Operation Spire is designed as a preventative measure with the goal of providing a high visibility presence on the main thoroughfare in the city, no specific crime statistics are maintained in relation to the operation. However, I am advised that Garda figures for the year to date indicate that Public Order Offences for the Store Street Garda Sub-District are down by 22%.