Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 334: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [35463/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that Gardaí from Raheny and Clontarf Garda stations police the area concerned and maintain regular contact with the management of the premises referred to in order to address any public order issues which may arise.

I am further informed that local Garda management is aware of anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the premises and has designated it a public order hot-spot. Additional Gardaí, including a dedicated public order unit, are deployed in the area, particularly during weekends and when events are being held, to prevent and detect anti-social behaviour and other public disorder offences. Inspections are carried out of all licensed premises in the area to ensure that the provisions of the liquor licensing acts and other relevant legislation are being complied with.

A policing forum, consisting of relevant stakeholders, including the Inspector in Charge, Clontarf, local residents' groups and the management of local licensed premises, has been established and meets on a regular basis. The forum is engaged in on-going discussions regarding licensing and residents' concerns.

A policing strategy, proportionate to anti-social issues in the Garda District generally, has been put in place by local Garda management to target public order and other anti-social type behaviour offences. Several factors, including the total number of patrons attending licensed premises and other venues within the District, ongoing public order crime trends, as well as the concerns and issues raised by local residents' association and community groups with An Garda Síochána, local representatives and the local authorities, are taken into consideration.

Current policing plans in the area are predicated on the prevention of anti-social behaviour and public disorder, the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. Garda units are directed to pay particular attention to areas where local youths tend to congregate. This strategy will continue to be central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.