Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 213: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to ongoing open-air drug dealing in Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24; the steps he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37632/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within Tallaght Garda District and I am advised that local Garda management in Tallaght is aware of the issues referred to by the Deputy.

To combat this problem there is a dedicated District Drug Unit, comprising one Sergeant and ten gardaí, operating on overt and covert patrols and surveillance operations to prevent, disrupt and detect this type of criminality in this area.

As part of ongoing operations in this area a number of persons have already been identified as suspected of being involved in the sale and supply of drugs, resulting in a number of searches and seizures of drugs being made.

The District Drug Unit is assisted by additional patrols being conducted in this area by uniformed and plain-clothes personnel, including the local Community Policing and Mountain Bike Units; the District Detective Unit, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel.

Liaison is also maintained with the Garda National Drugs Unit. Two members of the local Community Policing Unit are specifically allocated to the area referred to and attend Neighbourhood Watch and other meetings of residents' groups to address any issues arising.

Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences, including the prevention of public order offences; 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 of the area. Community policing is a central feature and core value of our policing policy.

I am assured that local Garda management closely monitors operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in these areas to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

The situation will be kept under review and every consideration will continue to be given by the gardaí to the needs of local residents.