‘Shortage’ of Gardaí leading to criminal behaviour in Ballyfermot

South Dublin representatives have claimed that the lack of Gardaí has allowed for the spread of anti-social and criminal behaviour in Ballyfermot and the surrounding area.

In November, two Gardaí were hospitalised after being assaulted when they responded to a call made at a pub in Ballyfermot.

Recently, the former De La Salle school on the Ballyfermot Road was vandalised and had its windows smashed in an overnight incident.

A group of local cross-party Dublin City Councillors issued a joint statement saying the “attack” was “totally unacceptable.”

“There can be no excuse for these actions,” they said.

“Dublin City Council has been contacted, requesting that they ensure the owners immediately secure this building.

“The former De La Salle school lands were sold to private developers by the De La Salle order.

“The site has remained dormant since with planning permission for 900 apartments granted by An Bord Pleanála.”

Sinn Fein councillor Daithí Doolan said the assault on the Gardaí does not “in any way reflect the good people of Ballyfermot.

“This level of violence is deeply worrying,” he said.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information to please contact the Gardaí and help bring the attackers to justice. We need to work together to make Ballyfermot a safer place for everyone.”

Local TD Mark Ward says the insufficient number of Gardaí in Dublin has led to such criminal activity.

“Too many communities in Dublin Mid-West don’t feel safe and recent shocking incidents in Dublin have left people feeling concerned and anxious about how safe their area is,” he says.

“It is vital that there are sufficient Garda numbers in the Dublin Western Region in order to protect communities and address these concerns.

“The recent attack on two members of the Guards in Ballyfermot was unacceptable.

“The two members are Guards from Ronanstown who were in Ballyfermot on overtime due to the shortage of Guards,” Deputy Ward says.

“My colleague, Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Martin Kenny TD, has analysed the Garda figures between 2009 and 2022.

“These results are shocking and expose how Fine Gael’s lax attitude to policing is failing local communities.”

Since 2009, Dublin has lost 18 percent, or 757 Gardaí while the DMR Western Region, where Ballyfermot is located, has lost 50 Gardaí.
“During this time, we have seen a huge growth in population here,” Deputy Ward says.

“Rank and file Gardaí are doing their best and I want to commend their bravery and hard work in serving our community every day.

“But they are dangerously stretched and having to work overtime in other stations to cover basic policing requirements due to the shortage.

“Stations are working in a situation where they are having to rob Peter to pay Paul in terms of ensuring adequate policing levels.”