Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019
297. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a full detailed report on Garda Operation Pier and Garda Operation Twintrack; and if these operations are still active. [42337/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. I am also pleased to have secured an overall increase of €122 million to increase An Garda Síochána's budget to an unprecedented €1.882 billion for next year.
The Garda Commissioner has responsibility for managing An Garda Síochána and for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the distribution of personnel across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
The Deputy refers to two separate operations- one in relation to anti-social behaviour in the Temple Bar area and one in relation to rail safety.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that Operation Pier commenced in 2015 in the DMR South Central Division and has a personnel strength of one Sergeant and 20 Gardaí. The purpose of this operation is to target anti-social behaviour and street level drug dealing in the Temple bar and adjoining areas. I am informed that Garda members attached to this unit are an integral part of the community and respond to all complaints from the residents and businesses in the area. The unit also undertakes dedicated operations in regard to organised and aggressive begging, as well as the operation of Rickshaws that are suspect of drug dealing.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that this Operation and its members have been acknowledged by the local business community for their effectiveness and high visibility policing. I am advised that as at 15 October 2019 there have been in excess of 1,947 arrests by the Gardaí attached to Operation Pier.
In relation to rail safety, I am advised by Garda management that it engages extensively with transport operators and that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to address incidents and issues that have arisen at specific locations. I am advised that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to address incidents and issues that have arisen at specific locations. I am further informed that there is ongoing communication between An Garda Síochána and the respective control centres, and access to good quality CCTV helps provide assistance to Gardaí when investigating such incidents.
In relation to the specific operation Twin Track as referred to by the Deputy, I am advised by the Garda authorities that this is a Community Engagement & Rail Safety Policing Initiative conducted in partnership between An Garda Síochána and other Public Transportation stakeholders such as Iarnród Éireann, DART Services, and Transdev [Luas].
Its purpose was to provide High Visibility Policing of Rail and light Rail transport within the DMR region and nationwide and to deliver crime prevention advice. Local Crime Prevention Officers and Community Policing Gardaí operated community engagement/crime prevention stands with support from national units at Connolly and Heuston Station on 13 September 2019.
I am informed that a multi-agency review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of this operation and that it is agreed that An Garda Síochána will continue to proactively engage with public transportation stakeholders and providers to conduct further similar operations.
