Call for action on knife crime after alleged stabbing at Luas stop

The alleged stabbing of a teenager on the Southside last night has led to renewed calls for knife crime to be urgently addressed.
 
Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Jim O’Callaghan, issued a statement following a series assault on a teenager at the Glencairn Luas stop in Leopardstown last night. Gardaí are investigating the incident.

Deputy O’Callaghan said that Fianna Fáil plans to impose a 12-month sentence for anyone caught carrying a knife in public with intent to cause injury or serious harm to another. The proposal comes amid a wave of knife crime in recent months across the country.

Deputy O’Callaghan said: “A teenager was approached by a group of males and during an altercation with one other male and he allegedly received a stab wound. He was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital by ambulance on Monday night. I would like to wish the young man a speedy recovery from this violent attack.

“The epidemic of knife crime across the country in the last year highlights how carrying a knife in public has become acceptable in certain areas. This attitude needs to be addressed.

“We need to eradicate this scourge and take back our streets for all people, day or night, and this is a key priority for Fianna Fáil. We will introduce a mandatory minimum 12-month sentence for the carrying of a knife in public with intent to cause injury or serious harm to another.”

Deputy O’Callaghan added: “The brutal nature of knife attacks and their devastating impact on victims underlines the need to stamp out this practice and help protect communities. It is apparent that in recent years the incidence of knives being used in crime has increased significantly.

“The general population must realise that possession of a knife is a serious offence and the introduction of this new law will hopefully serve as a severe warning that we are serious about tackling knife crimes and culture in this country.”

Green Party TD for Dublin Rathdown, Catherine Martin, said the local community was "shocked and appalled" at this brutal attack and her thoughts were with the victim and his family.

"I would urge anyone who has any information whatsoever to contact the local gardaí," Deputy Martin said. "Everyone has a role to play to ensure such barbaric acts never take hold of our community. The fact that it is so rare in our community does not leave room for complacency.

"We all need to be vigilant and show not just zero tolerance, but our revulsion at knife crime by cooperating fully with the gardaí."

She added: "It is also important that we ensure there are adequate sporting and recreational and community leadership programmes for our youth, while more Garda visibility is urgently needed on the streets to detect and deter any signs of gang activity."