Concern over cemetery crime

GARDAÍ and South Dublin County Council are to step up efforts to increase security at Bohernabreena Cemetery.

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, has confirmed that the Community Garda at Tallaght station is liaising with the council to have CCTV erected at the cemetery to combat thefts in the area.

The issue was raised by Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF) who called for action to be taken by the council and the gardaí in respect of criminal activity at Bohernabreena Cemetery.

He was responding to concerns expressed by visitors to the cemetery who revealed they felt vulnerable when visiting the graves of their loved ones.

Niall Collins TD, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Justice and Equality, recently raised the issue in the Dáil on behalf of Cllr O’Connor. He asked Minister Fitzgerald if she would provide additional resources to gardaí in Tallaght to take effective action at the cemetery.

The minister stated:  “I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that there have been four crime incidents of thefts from unattended vehicles recorded as having occurred at Bohernabreena Cemetery since January of this year.”

However, she gave assurances that the area will be regularly policed by uniform and Neighbourhood Policing Units as well as the District Detective Unit and the District Drug Unit.