Patrick Costello
Ceist:503. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on the work of the Garda Operation Préachán; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9830/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 February 2023
Ceisteanna (503)
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51:
As you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no direct role in these independent functions. The Garda authorities have advised that Operation Préachán was initiated in August 2022 to provide a proactive policing response to disrupt, detect and prevent criminal activities in the Cherry Orchard area of Ballyfermot, with a focus on unauthorised taking of vehicles, criminal damage, dangerous driving and public disorder.
I am informed that Operation Préachán has allocated the following resources to the Clondalkin District which encompasses Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Rathcoole:
• Daily deployment of mountain bike/beat patrols.
• Daily deployment of mobile car and van patrols.
• Daily deployment of plain clothes patrols.
• Daily allocation of trained Public Order Unit personnel to support local resources as required.
These resources operate to a defined schedule of proactive patrols, checkpoints and identified tasks including the execution of bench warrants.
I am advised that the Garda National Public Order Unit is available every weekend or more frequently if required, for deployment to any area in the city where a requirement is identified based on assessment of risk.
I am further advised that in order to reassure the local community in Ballyfermot, and in the wider DMR, Garda press releases are issued on a frequent basis highlighting the actions taken by members of the Garda Síochána and positive community engagement initiatives. I am informed that engagement is continuing with the Local Authority, Community groups and Youth Diversion Projects such as Crosscare and Foróige.
I am informed that Operation Préachán addresses prolific youth offenders through intensive monitoring of bail/curfew and case management of multiple individuals before the courts. The operation includes continued engagement with stakeholders and services including Dublin City Council, the Heath Service Executive, TUSLA, the Probation Service, and Local Community initiatives including Youth Justice initiatives with the overall aim to achieve sustainable Community Safety in the area.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the operational activity that has been undertaken in the Clondalkin District (which encompasses Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Rathcoole) from 1 August 2022 up to 24 February 2023.
|
Arrests |
760 |
|
Charges preferred |
1,407 |
|
Summons issued |
2,730 |
|
JLO/Adult caution |
227 |
Freagraí scríofa
I have requested an update on the work of Operation Préachán from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.