Funding for extra Gardaí in city centre lapses

€10 million announced in Garda overtime for Dublin last summer has run out, and elected representatives and business groups have questioned whether the plan was merely papering over the cracks.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon, who represents Dublin Central, said that the funding was always going to be short-term, and the funding was a “kneejerk reaction” to high-profile assaults on tourists last summer.

The deployment of Gardaí on Dublin streets in the wake of November’s riots were welcomed by Gannon, but the surge of extra Gardaí has now tapered off.

Gannon reiterated “you cannot police a city on overtime” and that Dublin’s business community, residents and visitors “need to know” if there a long-term plan to ensure people’s safety in Dublin.

Dublin’s crime problems have not gone away. Last November’s riots served as another reminder of the serious policing challenges facing the city.”

“Instead of constantly being reactive, the Minister for Justice needs to outline what new funding will be put in place for the permanent Garda presence that Dublin city centre needs and deserves.”

Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin echoed Gannon’s sentiments, saying “every Dubliner knows that the streets have felt increasingly unsafe for some time.”

“Less than two months ago our city witnessed the most devastating night in living memory. There was an utter breakdown of law and order on our streets; this did not happen in a vacuum.”

“Ensuring a strong Garda presence has been crucial to giving people faith that town is safe, to keeping businesses open and to protecting everyone working in the city.

The Dublin Bay North TD said the news that the lapsing for more Gardaí on the streets is a “hammer blow.”

“Overtime is not the answer, we need to address the long-term issues with sustainability within the force as numbers entering Templemore continue to decrease. However, seeing more Gardaí on the beat has provided a sense of security to many people at a very tense time for the city.”

“Government needs to rethink this approach and rethink it fast – public perception of safety matters.”

“The decision to quietly withdraw this funding is a mistake and it proves that the Justice Minister is only interested in governing by press release, rather than implementing clear measures to protect people and help them feel safe.”

Dublin Town CEO Richard Guiney said that cutting Garda presence in the city is “wrong and short-sighted.”

Dublin Town, which represents 2,500 members, said they were given assurances by Government that high-visibility policing will continue, but Gardaí will not be called in from outside the capital as was the case in previous weeks.

Guiney said the funding and numbers of Gardaí on streets should be maintained.

“Not to maintain it would be wrong and short-sighted and would have the capacity to reduce confidence in an area critical to the national economy and Ireland’s international reputation.”

“Following the riots of November 23, the situation returned to normal quickly, and increased number of Gardaí facilitated a lot of good work across many sectors to reduce the potential for crime and public disorder.”

“Minister McEntee should ensure the number of Gardaí assigned to Dublin City centre remains above pre-November levels, at least – reducing Garda numbers now has the potential to reduce confidence in Dublin City centre.”