Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am concerned about the number of violent and public order incidents that have occurred in Longford in recent weeks. Criminal acts of this nature have no place in civilised society. An Garda Síochána will not permit a small number of individuals to put local communities in fear for their safety. I have been advised by the Garda Commissioner that a number of targeted operations have been put in place by local Garda management in Longford aimed at tackling and preventing the ongoing inter-family feuds in the Longford and Granard districts. Under the current initiative, the feuds will be dealt with by district resources, with more serious incidents being addressed with support from the regional armed support unit. I understand 15 arrests have taken place, with prosecutions having been initiated in a number of instances. Investigation files on incidents in Longford will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Deputy is aware that there has been substantial investment in the Garda budget by the Government which will allow the accelerated recruitment programme to continue in tandem with the deployment of new and leading edge technology to support front-line gardaí in Longford in carrying out the work of delivering a visible, effective and responsive police service to communities in Longford and beyond. An Garda Síochána is determined to bring the perpetrators of these acts to justice as soon as possible. Both Garda management and my Department will continue to monitor the situation in Longford closely in the coming weeks.

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