Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 415: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 193 of 25 May 2005 and the assurance of the Garda authorities that appropriate attention would be given to the issue of large scale drinking on the public footpaths and roadways outside licensed premises in the environs of Croke Park on major match days; the reason this assurance was not adhered to; the further reason large scale illegal public drinking was ignored by the Garda causing serious concern to local residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29837/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Policing arrangements for public events and in locations generally, along with the allocation of Garda resources, are solely a matter for the Garda Commissioner. However, where such events take place the Garda authorities work closely with the residents in order to avoid as far as possible disruption to local communities. I am informed by the Garda authorities that every effort is made by local Garda management, on the occasions of major match days at Croke Park, to ensure appropriate attention is afforded to drinking on footpaths and roadways in the vicinity of licensed premises. Measures put in place include the placing of barriers outside public houses where there is a particular concern of crowding and drinking on footpaths and roadways. I am further informed that Gardaí on duty on such occasions, or in the vicinity of public houses where overcrowding onto footpaths is an issue, are pro-active in dealing with any attendant problems arising. In addition, Garda patrol vans are also on patrol to assist at any area of concern in relation to drinking on public streets.

I am assured that Gardaí on duty on occasions of match days do not ignore illegal public drinking. I am advised that local Garda management have received a number of complaints recently in relation to public drinking on the occasion of recent matches. In response local Garda management have put in place specific additional plans to cater for this problem, which include the use of the Garda Dog and Mounted Units. I am assured by the Garda authorities that they will continue to give the matter their ongoing attention.