More community Gardaí and CCTV expansion needed, says Heneghan

Independent TD Barry Heneghan has called for additional community Gardaí and a targeted expansion of CCTV across North Dublin.

The Dublin Bay North TD was speaking following a series of attacks on community facilities and growing concerns ahead of Halloween.

Heneghan raised the issue directly with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan in the Dáil, highlighting the destruction of the playground in Darndale on Sunday, 27th September, and the burning of newly installed public toilets in St Anne’s Park earlier this year.

“The playground in Darndale was destroyed in a disgraceful attack. Residents and community groups fought hard for that facility, and ultimately it is local children and families who lose out when something like this happens,” Heneghan said.

“We need to make much better use of CCTV in areas where there is persistent anti-social behaviour. Gardaí and Dublin City Council should have a clear and workable process to identify high-risk locations and use targeted CCTV where appropriate.”

Local reps criticise arson attacks on Darndale playground

Heneghan stated “communities should not be caught between different agencies or simply told that CCTV cannot be used because of GDPR or other administrative barriers.”

He stressed that CCTV must go hand-in-hand with additional dedicated community Gardaí and a stronger visible Garda presence across North Dublin.

“CCTV is one tool, but there is no substitute for Gardaí being visible and present in our communities. We need community policing resources that reflect the needs and population of the areas they serve,” he said.

With Halloween approaching, Heneghan also called for earlier intervention in areas where illegal bonfires are known to take place year after year.

“Residents should not have to spend the run-up to Halloween putting wood and cardboard over their windows because they are worried about a bonfire outside their homes,” he said.

“If we know an area where a bonfire is planned year after year, then surely we should be monitoring that area and intervening early to prevent it. We should be acting before it becomes a danger to residents, their homes and the wider community.”

Responding in the Dáil, Minister O’Callaghan said he was happy to engage with Heneghan on monitoring areas to prevent bonfires.

He also highlighted an additional €11.5 million for youth diversion projects, stressing the importance of intervening early to deter young people from becoming involved in criminality.

Heneghan welcomed the focus on prevention and youth diversion but said it must be backed up by visible policing and accountability for persistent offending.

“Prevention has to come first. We need to invest in young people and give them every opportunity to stay away from criminality,” Heneghan said.

“But when we have a playground destroyed in Darndale, facilities attacked elsewhere in North Dublin and residents worried about what will happen this Halloween, we also need a strong response on the ground.

“I want to see more community Gardaí, targeted CCTV where it is needed and earlier intervention to protect our communities and the facilities people have fought hard to secure.”