Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Táim buíoch go bhfuil mé ábalta labhairt ar an ngá atá le hacmhainní breise Garda i bhFionnghlas.

As the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, might be aware, I represent the constituency of Dublin North-West, which encompasses Finglas, Ballymun, Santry, Whitehall, Meakstown, Glasnevin and parts of Beaumont. Part of my constituency lies within the Garda divisional area known as the K district, which comprises Finglas, Cabra and Blanchardstown. This Garda divisional area covers a district with a population of about 160,000 people. Finglas is a fast-growing area with a population of about 40,000.

It is clear from an analysis of Garda resources from throughout the country that there is significant variation in the numbers of gardaí relative to the size of communities. An analysis of Garda manpower throughout the country's 28 divisions highlights wide variations in the strength of the force relative to the size of communities, creating an obvious imbalance in the way these communities are being served. For example, Limerick city, with a population of approximately 95,000, has 377 gardaí serving the community. Finglas, by contrast, which has a population of 40,000, has approximately 90 gardaí covering the area. As can be seen immediately, there is a glaring imbalance in respect of available Garda resources in this densely populated area. Issues that have come to national attention involve illegal drug-related activity, gang-related criminality and feuding among gangs, which are greatly affecting the community of Finglas and impacting on those going about their daily business. Much of this activity is confined to a small number of people in a small number of areas, but it has the effect of creating a climate of fear for families, and especially the elderly, in sections of the community.

People impacted by this criminal activity are often afraid to go to the Garda and report these matters for fear of reprisals from these gangs or by those involved in criminality.

For a number of years, there has been a number of individuals associated with what is known locally as the "Gucci Gang". People associated with this criminal gang have been involved in horrific activity that has shocked the community with shootings, kidnappings and beatings. There is also ongoing issues with people from Finglas and Cabra organising fights on Facebook, which have resulted in serious injuries. In the light of this criminal activity, I commend the efforts of local community activists and others to draw young people away from this type of activity. In spite of the lack of resources available to the Garda, I acknowledge the good work they have done around Finglas in combating this criminal activity.

A recent successful Garda operation was carried out in the Finglas area and resulted in the seizure of guns and money from a criminal gang. The operation also resulted in a number of houses used by this criminal gang being boarded up by Dublin City Council. The gardaí would be the first to acknowledge that more needs to be done and if they had the proper resources, they could even be more effective.

At every policing forum or joint policing committee meeting, the issue of the lack of Garda resources is raised by me, other public representatives and members of the community. We need to be listened to. There is no substitute for gardaí on the ground in our communities and interacting with people. That is why more gardaí and resources are needed to help safeguard the community.

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