Councillor gets agreement for a new Taskforce for Dublin

A motion was tabled by Cllr Colm O’Rourke, at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis, calling for to the establishment of a Taskforce for Dublin to consider the effectiveness of existing legislation and propose new ways forward to ensure Dublin City is a safe environment for all. 

Cllr Colm O’Rourke, who is a Fine Gael Councillor on Dublin City Council for the Cabra-Glasnevin area, put his case forward in front of delegates which included the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee.

The motion was passed unanimously by delegates present for the vote.

The motion asked delegates that: ‘This Ard Fheis acknowledge the actions taken by the Minister for Justice and the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, including ‘Operation Citizen’ to ensure Dublin City is a safe place to live, visit, socialise and conduct business, but calls for further action including but not limited to the establishment of a Taskforce for Dublin to consider the effectiveness of existing legislation and propose new ways forward to ensure Dublin City is a safe environment for all.’

Speaking to delegates, Cllr Colm O’Rourke said:

“I remain a proud Dub, but my heart is broken.

“Dublin City at the moment is not the Fair City we all love but perceived as Dublin’s Fear City – where the streets are so shabby.

“And what is needed is further action, the type of action that people can see.

“We don’t want more discussions about our capital to drag on, so it might seem ironic for a Taskforce to be established, but it is needed, not for more discussion but action!

“Solving the current issues in Dublin City is not down to one person, one department or one agency.

“It requires the joined-up thinking of many people, and many agencies – the sort of joined-up thinking which hasn’t happened to date. In particular, I believe that Dublin City Council has a significant role to play in ‘designing out’ anti-social behaviour and crime – as one of the best ways for safer, stronger communities are the creation of well-designed and lively public spaces.

“This Taskforce should be about legislation and bringing several authorities together, like Dublin City Council, to create safe spaces.

“Equally, the focus shouldn’t be on one area or street of our city – but on the city as a whole. Focus on one street, and the problem gets pushed to other streets.and we are back to square one.

“Again, I want to thank both the Minister for Justice and the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána for the actions they have taken so far.

“Although the issues remaining are bad, I believe we would be in a far worse position if these actions weren’t taken to date.

“I remain optimistic about the future of Dublin City, the city I adore, and believe a Taskforce and other measures are needed to ensure we have policing that links in with local community work to address the problems and to bring back a Dublin City that is safe and alive! Alive alive o.”