Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 175: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the safety concerns on O'Connell Street, Abbey Street and at Connolly Station in Dublin (details supplied); and if An Garda Siochána has plans to increase their presence in the area to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33779/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that policing measures are in place to address the difficulties referred to by the Deputy. These include the designation of certain areas as hotspots for such criminality and additional high visibility patrols being directed by local Garda management. Incidents of public disorder and other anti-social behaviour are dealt with by way of juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge penalty notice or by initiating criminal proceedings.

In particular, a high visibility policing initiative has recently been reintroduced by Assistant Commissioner Dublin Metropolitan Region, including within the Dublin city catchment area. Dedicated high visibility patrols are conducted in key thoroughfares at strategic times, as dictated by crime trends and foot fall for these areas. These measures will be subject to close monitoring by local Garda management and will be continually reviewed to ensure they target prevailing trends.

In addition, I am also informed that there are a number of specific initiatives in place in the area referred to by the Deputy. These include Operation Stilts which is an ongoing Garda operation to intensively police affected areas such as the North Quays, the Boardwalk, and adjacent side streets to prevent and disrupt the activities of those involved in anti-social behaviour and drug dealing.

The Gardaí also make effective use of CCTV in the city centre, with 44 CCTV cameras, monitored by Garda personnel from the Garda Camera Office on O'Connell Street, and a further 33 CCTV cameras monitored from Pearse Street Garda Station on a 24 hour basis. CCTV systems have proved to be of significant assistance in the prevention and detection of incidents of crime since their initial introduction.

Local Garda management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place 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 situation is being kept under ongoing review and I can assure the Deputy that I am in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner with a view to ensuring that our streets are safe for all our citizens.