New approach needed to tackle escalation of crime along the Royal Canal

A local TD has called for a more creative approach to tackle violence along the Royal Canal in Dublin.

Green Party TD for Dublin South-Central, Patrick Costello was commenting following video footage which emerged last weekend of a woman being pushed into the canal by youths.

An investigation is currently under way into the alleged racial attack on Xuedan (Shelley) Xiong which took place last Friday.

In the video, which was posted on TikTok, the woman can be heard telling a group of teenage boys “not to racially discriminate, that’s criminal” before she is pushed into the canal between Lock 11 and Lock 12 of the canal.

Commenting on the events, Deputy Costello said it’s time for a new approach to deal with the worsening problem of violence along the Royal Canal.

“The video footage circulating social media at the weekend of a woman being pushed into the canal was incredibly distressing to watch,” he said.

“However, this violence is merely the latest in a series of ongoing assaults and antisocial behaviour along the canal.

“I have been calling for a stronger police response along the canal for months in the Dáil but my requests have fallen on deaf ears.

“A lack of resources has led to a lack of policing, meaning the canal is slowly becoming a no-go-zone for local residents who are too scared to go near it.

“Moving forward, it is imperative that we focus on a creative police response if we are to effectively tackle the issue.”

Deputy Costello believes that providing bikes to members of An Garda Síochánna would enable a much more effective policing of that stretch and would also be a lot cheaper than the high-tech resources the Gardaí are provided with in other areas of Dublin.

“I have also called for the increased use of motorbike patrols to help patrol the area and some of the surrounding estates but this does not seem to be happening,” he said.

“It would be very beneficial to adopt some of these creative responses to help address the rising criminality and violence.

“The criminal activity we have witnessed bears absolutely no reflection on the people living in the area.

“I am aware of great work being done by youth services on the ground, helping to divert children and young people away from criminal activity, as well as local policing forums and local community groups.

“However, the reality is that Gardaí need to be visible and engaged in these communities and developing mutually respectful partnerships to achieve community safety.

“Families and individuals are being left terrified by these violent acts.

“The canal should be an amenity that is enjoyed by all, but soon nobody will feel safe to go near it.

“At a time when many communities complain that they don’t even know who their local community police are, it is imperative that we work to implement a creative, community-led approach so that people can begin to feel safe again,” concluded Deputy Costello.