Minister vows to crack down on crime in Clondalkin area

TÁNAISTE Frances Fitzgerald has said she is “absolutely committed to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing” in communities following concerns over a rise in crime in Clondalkin.

Cllr Mark Ward (SF) has called on the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice to provide extra resources for Clondalkin gardaí to tackle what he termed “the increase in anti-social behaviour in her constituency”.

“There are also a number of estates that gardaí are unable to police adequately and situations are out of control,” Cllr Ward stated. “Three murders occurred in the Clondalkin and Lucan areas in a short space of time before Christmas which has increased the anger and frustrations of the people.”

Cllr Ward also asked that Government officials refrain from using the term “gangland” when talking about serious incidents.

“Cutbacks to Garda resources are having a detrimental effect on the lives of residents of Clondalkin,” he added. “Certain parts of Clondalkin are turning into no-go areas with residents living in fear.

“This is in no way critical of the gardaí in Clondalkin who I have no doubt feel as frustrated as me as they are understaffed and under resourced.

“I am calling on Minister Fitzgerald to increase Garda numbers in Clondalkin. I’d like to remind the Tánaiste that this is her constituency and that the lack of leadership from her regarding these issues was very noticeable.

“In a six-week period, from November 2016, there were three murders within a six-mile radius in the Tánaiste’s constituency. The people of Clondalkin deserve answers and a response.”

Cllr Ward said he was inundated with residents contacting him in relation to anti-social behaviour in their estates. These issues include joy-riding, scramblers, open drug dealing and intimidation.

“These crimes are seemingly carried out with impunity. If the Garda numbers were increased it would elicit a speedier response and result in a decrease in anti-social behaviour.

“Clondalkin does not need a ‘gangland’ taskforce,” he added.  “In fact, the term gangland mitigates the Government’s responsibility and is deflecting from the real issues. Clondalkin needs more resources for the gardaí and in community and voluntary services.”

In a statement to Southside People the Minister said the Garda Commissioner was responsible for the distribution of resources.

“This includes the distribution of personnel among the various Garda Divisions and as Minister, I have no direct role in the matter,” she said.

However, the minister referred to recent figures that show the number of gardaí in Clondalkin is on a par with 2012.

“I am absolutely committed to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in order to strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and prevent crime,” the minister added. “In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of another 800 Garda recruits. Since the reopening of the Garda College, 679 recruits have attested as members of the gardaí and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, including 62 to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Division, which includes the areas to which the councillor refers.

“I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that another 900 trainee Garda are  to attest in 2017 which will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,500 mark by year end.

“We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of gardaí across every Garda Division, including the DMR West Division, in the coming years.”