Lucan loses out on frontline Gardaí as criminal damage and public order rise – Curran
Local Fianna Fáil TD, John Curran has said that the poor allocation of Gardaí in Lucan Garda Station is having an adverse impact on crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. Deputy Curran commented, “Earlier this month, figures that I received from Justice Minister, Charlie Flanagan through parliamentary question revealed that the number of Gardaí stationed in Lucan Garda Station has fallen by 5 since the previous 12 months.
“Quite shockingly, during the same period there have been dramatic increases in the rates of public order and criminal damage which have both risen by over 50% in the past 10 months alone. “Improper use of scramblers and quad bikes is another issue which continues to affect parts of our community and greater enforcement and compliance with these laws requires rank and file Gardaí on the ground. “We must be assured that every effort is being made to ensure young people and their parents are encouraged to heed the dangers of improper use of quads and scramblers but also to stronglycondemn anti-social behaviour of any nature.
He added, “It cannot be left to the remaining Stations in the DMR West Division to deal withpolicing crime, especially as they are already operating with limited numbers of personnel. “Let me be clear, the only measure that will ultimately curb anti-social behaviour or criminality of any nature is greater Garda visibility in our community. The figures I have received indicate that the necessary level of Garda presence is simply not possible. “The presence of dedicated Gardaí provides reassurance to communities, especially those with a growing population such as Lucan. “The focus must therefore remain on providing measures targeted at crime-prevention, removing fear from localities across our area and enhancing support for the victims of crime, concluded Deputy Curran.
