Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will support a matter regarding policing and anti-social prevention measures in the Howth Area, County Dublin. [31326/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by local residents through anti-social behaviour, particularly during periods of good weather when there is an influx of visitors to the locality.

I am further informed that policing measures are in place to address difficulties experienced by local residents due to public disorder and other alcohol related anti-social behaviour. This includes areas being designated as "hotspots" for such activities, additional high-visibility patrols being directed by local Garda management, including regular patrols by uniform and plain-clothes units, including the Community Policing and Garda Mountain-Bike Units, local Detective and Drug Unit personnel, supplemented as required by Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. Incidents of public disorder and other anti-social behaviour are dealt with by way of caution, fixed charge penalty notice or by initiating criminal proceedings.

The local Community Policing Unit is actively engaged in this area, with four Community Gardaí specifically allocated. Members of the Community Policing Unit actively engage with stakeholders, including the local authority and transport service providers, to ensure a safer environment for the local community.

A number of Neighbourhood Watch schemes has been established recently and a new Business Watch scheme has also launched, providing Gardaí with a vital link with businesses in the area.

Local Garda management also participates in the Fingal Joint Policing Committee, with the local authority and local public representatives. The Committee is endeavouring to address issues of public disorder and anti-social behaviour and An Garda Síochána is supportive of various initiatives being introduced.

Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences. Local Garda management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. I am further informed that this situation is being kept under review.