Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 June 2014
433. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an account of the anti-social behaviour in Howth, County Dublin, which occurred on Saturday, 31 May last; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24332/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management became aware of a group of approximately 500 young people arriving in the Howth area on Saturday, 31 May 2014 and gathering around the East Pier, Claremont Beach and Harbour Road areas.
Gardaí from Howth, Raheny and Clontarf Garda Stations, assisted by a Public Order Unit, attended the scene and directed the group which had gathered to leave the area. This was successfully achieved by supervising the group while they made their way to the DART Station where they boarded trains back to the city centre. I am advised that there were no reported incidents of assault, robbery, theft or other criminal incidents on the day relating to the presence of large crowds in Howth.
I am further advised that local Garda management have put in place a number of policing arrangements to prevent the occurrence of similar events in the future. These include increased patrols and checkpoints in the area, ongoing contact with DART management and liaison with local shops and businesses regarding the sale of intoxicating liquor.
A Regional Operational Plan is also in place to combat under-age alcohol consumption and alcohol consumption in public spaces during the summer months throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR). This will involve the enforcement of legislation regulating the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol as well as relevant public order legislation.
Finally, I am advised that local Garda management closely monitors patrols and other operational strategies, in light of crime trends and policing needs of the area in question, and the situation will be kept under review to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources.
