Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to two specific points the Deputy has raised, in areas in certain parts of the city that people feel are less safe at night, there are particular operations in place. From 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. there are specific gardaí allocated along our boardwalks and in certain other areas where we know there has been an increase in recent times in assaults and where people, in particular women on their own, do not feel safe walking.

As for trains and our public transport, again, there has been a specific targeted response from An Garda Síochána. We have increased garda numbers, in particular at weekends. Unfortunately, that is mainly when these incidents occur but, obviously, they do not occur just at the weekends but at night as well. The Garda is responding to concerns that are being raised. I have said to the Deputy before that where issues persist or where the response is not strong enough, the Garda Commissioner is always willing to look at where he can expand and strengthen the work already being done. In general, however, the response is about more gardaí and greater visibility. The 800 additional gardaí we will have this year, on top of the 400 civilian gardaí, will open this up and allow more front-line gardaí out on the beat. There is also the investment in cars, bicycles and other types of equipment, which is extremely important in addressing many of the issues the Deputy has raised and in making sure that people not just are safe in our towns and villages but feel safe, because often part of the fear and the concern is that they do not feel safe.

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