Call for more policing in Clondalkin following rise in anti-social behaviour

Gary Ibbotson 08 Apr 2021

Local politicians are calling for a higher police presence in Clondalkin after a rise of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The call comes as several local representatives around Dublin are reporting more cases of anti-social behaviour in communities in recent months.

Sinn Fein councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh says that the issue has worsened.

“Unfortunately, anti-social behaviour has escalated in our communities – this we have witnessed over time with more serious violent assaults amongst an even younger age group,” he says.

“Intimidation and fear are all too often common place with drug and substance abuse ever present.

“Tougher legislation must be introduced to deal with those that inflict resulting pain of crime upon others in society.”

Ó Brádaigh says that “prevention is better than cure” he will continue to “support the good work of the Gardai in providing us with a safer place in which to live.”

Labour representative for Clondalkin, Chris O’Dwyer says that there has been a “noticeable” increase in criminal activity recently.

“Not an evening went by over the weekend that I did not get a phone call from concerned residents who feel intimated in their own homes,” he says.

“Residents in Palmerstown Woods reported that a group of young males were going in and out of gardens stealing wheelie bins and setting them alight in Collinstown Park.

“Residents living close to Collinstown Park also reported large stone being thrown at windows, cars and passers-by.

“Other incidents occurred in Bawnoges, Deansrath, Woodford and along the canal.”

More resources – and varied procedures – need to be allocated to help tackle the issue, says representatives.

“This should include more Gardai, greater daily visibility in our community, better equipment and advances in crime detection technology,” says Ó Brádaigh.

O’Dwyer says that local residents should be consulted on policing protocols.

“We need immediate action to combat this issue.

“The Government need to provide more resources for community policing and fund other interventions so as to limit the impact of anti-social,” he says.

“People need to feel safe in their community, they need to be able to access local amenities such as the canal without fear.

“Local Gardai can only do so much and need to be resourced to deal with this increasing issue before there is a serious incident similar to what we have seen on the streets of the capital.

“There needs to be a significant increase in public consultation on what community policing should look like and how it should function in Clondalkin.

“There needs to be increased focus on diversionary programmes and a roll out of other educational resources.”

In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said that there are currently no plans to increase Garda patrols in the area.

“Local Garda management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a district, divisional and regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public,” it said.

“Senior Garda management is satisfied that an adequate policing service continues to be delivered and that current structures in place meet the requirement to deliver an effective and efficient policing service to the community.

“This situation is continually reviewed.”

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