Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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465. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide assurances to residents in Fettercairn estate, Tallaght, Dublin 24 that everything possible is being done to deal effectively with the recent outbreak of crime and anti-social behaviour in the estate; if she will address the need for urgent action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1643/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that while they aware of concerns raised regarding a recent incident in the area in question, local Garda management report that there is no notable reporting or evidence of an increase in crime within the Fettercairn area.

The area is regularly patrolled by foot and mobile patrols including Mountain Bike patrols augmented by Divisional Units such as the Divisional Task Force and Traffic Units. In addition, the local District strength is supplemented by resources from Garda National Units including the Garda National Drugs Unit and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, as required. This allows for an effective response to crime and associated problems in the Tallaght and Fettercairn area.

I am further informed that there are specific Gardaí attached to each local area within Tallaght. These members liaise closely with schools, businesses, community centres, and with various other community groups in the area. Community Gardaí operate clinics in the Fettercairn area each week in conjunction with the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit of South Dublin County Council.

A Garda Youth Diversion Project has also been established in the area. This project is coordinated by Tallaght Youth Service and targets approximately fifty youths in the parish between the ages of 14 and 18, many of whom have previously come to Garda attention. These projects are community based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have been involved in anti-social behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development and improve long term employment prospects. The projects may also work with young people who are significantly at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour with a view to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing community relations.

Garda personnel levels and deployment are monitored and adjusted according to needs and analysis of crime trends and anti-social activities in the particular area. In addition, local Garda management has put in place targeted proactive measures, including in Fettercairn, which focus patrols on the most vulnerable locations, and these and all other local policing arrangements are kept under ongoing review.