Máire Devine (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Dublin South Central constituency encompasses densely populated areas in the south-west inner city, including suburban areas like Crumlin, Inchicore and Walkinstown. I have witnessed an increase in significant antisocial behaviour, ubiquitous drug dealing and violent crime. Community policing and youth diversions under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael's stewardship have been minimal. We are now reaping the fruits of the laissez-faire attitude that every part of Dublin and area across the country are safe.

Following the economic crash, financial cuts stripped many communities of services and supports for youth projects and other facilities. Dublin 8 has no operational community centre after a fire destroyed Donore community centre nearly four years ago. It remains closed and a shell.

Last night, I hosted a residents' meeting in the Dublin 8 area. The frustration of residents who are subjected to regular wanton acts of violence on their property and threats to their persons is insupportable. They wonder if the Garda will not deploy forces to protect the hundreds of thousands of visitors in the premier tourist trail of the entire country, what chance have they, as residents of the community, of getting adequate protection?

I commend the local community gardaí on their hard work. They do their best with what little they have. The voice of residents is an untapped asset throughout our communities. Good people want to do the best for themselves, their neighbours and the wider area. They request to meet other residents' groups to discuss their experience and be supported by active training workshops so that they know they are not alone.

These types of meetings should be convened. It is very scary when an apartment complex, park or local shop is overrun and overtaken by those who offer only damage and serious threat. Has the process commenced to recruit the next Commissioner who has the confidence of An Garda Síochána? Can the new local community safety partnerships be established with somebody who is not in an un-resourced chairperson position?

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