Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

More importantly, Senator Jim D'Arcy raised the matter of policing along the Border. I am concerned about the situation in the Louth division and in Dundalk. The local gardaí have to manage and monitor 34 crossing points. I do not believe they have the proper allocation of personnel to cover that. The crime lords who are engaged in the smuggling and fuel laundering mentioned by Senator D'Arcy are carrying on with near impunity, and certainly with scant regard for the law, because they know the forces are not there to deal with them.In south Armagh, people have talked about nods and winks. They do not need a nod and a wink because the police there are more or less confined to barracks and there are very few of them.

I very much welcome the Living City initiative, which was referred to by Senators Quinn and Comiskey. Once urban renewal is properly targeted, it is vital. Senator Bacik referred to some streets. I look forward to the regeneration of Mountjoy Square and other places in the north inner city that I believe are included in this scheme. Perhaps we could have a debate on this matter in due course in addition to the matter raised by Senator Jim D'Arcy.