Minister strongly condemns Clongriffin DART attack

THE Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, has condemned the serious vandalism which occurred at Clongriffin train station this week.

The matter was raised in the Dáil today by Independent TD for Dublin Bay North, Tommy Broughan, who asked the minister to outline what urgent steps are being taken to end the “serious criminal vandalism” at the station and to a DART train.

Minister Flanagan said he was aware of the serious incident, where the youths in question engaged in serious anti-social behaviour and accosted members of the public.

“This is completely unacceptable behaviour and will not be tolerated,” Minister Flanagan stated. “I am advised that this incident is now the subject of an official investigation by An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with Irish Rail, with CCTV footage being reviewed to help identify the culprits.

“Photographs were also taken at the scene of the ‘graffiti tags’ which are also being circulated in order to identify any links with known graffiti offenders and I would encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact An Garda Síochána as soon as possible.”

Minister Flanagan added that the behaviour witnessed in Clongriffin has no place in civilised society.

“For its part, the Government remains committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána have all the necessary resources to tackle all forms of criminality in our communities,” he said.

In a statement, Deputy Tommy Broughan said residents believe that Clongriffin DART Station is being targeted because of its distance to the district Garda station, which is located over three miles away in Coolock. He said locals had been campaigning to have a Garda station opened in Donaghmede, which would also serve the North Fringe.

He said: “The most recent attack on the local DART station was the most brazen and disturbing to date. The residents of Clongriffin are growing tired in their efforts to create a positive community spirit only to have repeated attacks on their public transport facility and neighbourhood and also the increasing feelings of uneasiness in using their local Dart Station.  

“This disgraceful nonsense has gone on long enough. It is now critical that Irish Rail, Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Gannon Homes and other key stakeholders get together with public representatives and An Garda Síochána to ensure that this breakdown in law and order stops immediately and never reoccurs.”

Deputy Broughan added: “Minister Flanagan needs to ensure me that my constituents are safe and he needs to come out to Dublin Bay North and visit us and see the affected communities and facilities for himself.”