Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate that I spoke to the senior members of An Garda Síochána in Galway and they have assured me that there is a dedicated policing plan in place for this weekend and for any future events. They are monitoring social media and will be deploying extra Garda resources in the Salthill area or indeed any area where that deployment is needed. If anyone has concerns, the Garda asks that it be contacted directly and to be alerted to any anti-social behaviour. I have also received the assurance of An Garda Síochána that resourcing is not an issue and the force will be deploying its full resources as needed this weekend or any other weekend on this issue and it is important to make that point. I was categorically assured today by An Garda Síochána on that point.

There is engagement between the city council and the Garda, which was also confirmed to me today. I spoke to the city manager and I know that the local city councillors are directly engaging with An Garda Síochána locally around other solutions. Whatever resources the Garda needs, we have always said that we will support it in that. I will be guided by the local Garda information that I received and its members are saying that it will deploy all its resources, will be carrying out spot checks within the city and on the outskirts as well this weekend and will be monitoring the activities as they arise this weekend or over future weekends. Of course, this will be constantly monitored and we need to ensure that we support the Garda in whatever way possible.

In my communications with the city council, I am happy to assist in any way I can. I have been assured today by An Garda Síochána in Galway that it has the resources, it will deploy them and it will monitor events this weekend and every weekend in Salthill and Galway.

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