Donohoe says tourist assaults underline need for more Gardaí

Minister Paschal Donohoe says that recent high-profile assaults on foreign tourists underlines the need for “ceaseless efforts” in recruiting more Gardaí onto the streets of Dublin.

The assault of three British tourists in Temple Bar on Friday evening follows July’s near-fatal assault of an American tourist in the North Inner-City.

“It is just a reminder to me that our efforts have to be ceaseless in providing the gardaí with the support they need and maintaining a very visible presence in the inner city,” Minister Donohoe said at the opening of the refurbished Diamond Park on the corner of Lower Gardiner Street.

The refurbished park is in Donohoe’s own constituency of Dublin Central, and said that tangible process has been made in tackling crime in the area.

“I believe we have made big progress in how we police the inner city and made big progress in the presence of An Garda Síochána. But we still have more to do and that is why the Government is putting such focus on recruitment plans for An Garda Síochána and it is why Store Street continues to be a vital Garda station for Dublin.”

Donohoe’s ministerial and party colleague Simon Harris said that the Government are “all ears” with regards to implementing solutions to tackle crime in Dublin.

Donohoe attended the opening alongside Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste, who encouraged locals to avail of the facility.

“We’re never going to eradicate the issue, but what we need to do is talk about safety in the city and perceptions of safety. I feel safe in Dublin. When I go out walking, I feel safe, but I know that there are lots of people that don’t feel safe,” he said.

Pointing to the upcoming American football match between the University of Notre Dame and Navy Academy, de Róiste said that he would still encourage foreign tourists to visit Dublin.

“This for me is not just a tourist problem – it’s for everybody that uses the city and it’s for everybody who calls the city home.”