Written answers

Tuesday, 5 February 2008

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Deployment

9:00 pm

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 621: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the person who is responsible for the policing of the Phoenix Park; the plans in place to improve the level of policing in the park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3280/08]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Superintendent in Blanchardstown has operational responsibility for policing the Phoenix Park area, which is patrolled by members of the Garda Síochána assigned to Cabra Garda Station. The force liaises with the Phoenix Park rangers, who are employed by the Office of Public Works and are responsible for enforcing the by-laws enacted for the park. A number of Garda initiatives are in place for the policing of the Phoenix Park. Operation Staple is monitoring illegal sexual activity in the Phoenix Park area. Operation Scholar is monitoring and tracking the movements of criminals in the area by increasing patrols in the park and setting up checkpoints. This operation concentrates on the prevention and detection of crime in the park, in particular thefts from vehicles parked in the area. Operation Encounter is an ongoing initiative targeting public disorder and other anti-social behaviour including the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor to people under the age of 18. Operation Torque is targeting those suspected of criminal activity including robberies from the person and theft from MPVs. These ongoing initiatives have proved valuable for gathering intelligence and disrupting local criminals and their criminal activities. They have resulted in numerous detections and subsequent arrests. Community Policing Units perform mountain bike patrols of the Phoenix Park, particularly during the summer months. Crime prevention advice leaflets were distributed to the public in the park during 2007. It is proposed to repeat this initiative during the summer of 2008. The leaflets provide crime prevention and security advice on how to keep personal belongings safe. The Garda Commissioner is responsible for allocating personnel throughout the force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Phoenix Park will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of policing needs throughout the country.

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