ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR - RESPONSE FROM MINISTER

I have received the following response from Justice Minister in relation to anti-social behaviour issues in Clontarf Electoral Area including an increased number of burglaries in the Donnycarney area, a level of anti-social behaviour focusing on green spaces in the Grace Park Meadows and Grace Park Heights areas of Drumcondra and Collins Park and Celtic Park Ave areas of Donnycarney.

The question was tabled by Justice Spokesperson Pat Rabbitte.

QUESTION NO: 313

DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Ahern) by Deputy Pat Rabbitte for WRITTEN on Tuesday, 23rd June, 2009.
* To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the continuing anti social behaviour issues in the north central Dublin area; if he has satisfied himself that adequate garda resources are available in this area; if he will take steps to ensure an adequate response from a garda station to deal with issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Pat Rabbitte

an increased number of burglaries in the Donnycarney area, a level of anti-social behaviour focusing on green spaces in the Grace Park Meadows and Grace Park Heights areas of Drumcondra and Collins Park and Celtic Park Ave areas of Donnycarney - Clontarf Garda Station

REPLY. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is in Clontarf Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents in this area as a result of anti-social behaviour, and the area has been designated a public order hot-spot and responsive plans put in place. I am also informed that there has been a decrease in the last two months in the number of burglaries and property related crimes recorded in the area. Members of the local Community Policing Unit and local Garda management liaise with the local community. Community Gardaí attend regular meetings with residents and any issues raised, including those referred to by the Deputy, are attended to. The matters referred to by the Deputy are also discussed by the northwestern area subcommittee of the Dublin City Joint Policing Committee. This forum provides an opportunity for representatives of An Garda Síochána, elected members and officials of the local authority, Oireachtas members and community representatives to discuss local policing issues. Incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour reported to the Garda authorities are the subject of investigation and dealt with appropriately, including by juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge notices or initiating criminal proceedings. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law. The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit, the Garda Mountain Bike Unit and the District Detective and Drug Units, supplemented by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. Persons and vehicles are regularly stopped and searched in the area. Local Garda management closely monitors patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation is kept under review, with paramount consideration being given to the needs of residents. Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences, including the prevention of crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of residents. This strategy is central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.