Concerted effort is required to clamp down on Fingal crime

​                                   - Special meeting scheduled for this Wednesday -
Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien says the Government is failing to crack down on crime in Fingal, and needs to come up with new measures to protect communities in the North County.
The party brought forward a motion in the Dáil this month calling for additional Garda numbers across Dublin city and county. Fianna Fáil used its Private Members time in the Dáil to highlight the decrease in Garda resources in the Capital.

Deputy O’Brien explained, “It’s no coincidence that there has been a spike in crime in parts of Fingal which have seen their local Garda station either closed, operating on a part-time basis or without a Garda presence altogether.
“There has been a steady decline in the number of Gardaí stationed in Fingal and across Dublin which must be reversed. Donabate and Portane; a population of over 11,000 remains without any Garda presence. 
“The presence of local Gardaí cannot be underestimated, not only does it provide a sense of security in communities, it also acts as a deterrent to criminals. 
“However, this Government has ignored the seriousness of the issue and has been stalling on important initiatives such as the re-opening of Rush Garda Station.

“Fianna Fáil brought this issue to the floor of the Dáil this month by putting down a special motion. We are calling for additional resources for Gardaí and are also seeking additional measures to crackdown on repeat offenders.
“We want to see electronic monitoring a condition of bail for anyone convicted of a serious offence in the previous 10 years. These measures, coupled with additional CCTV, will help prevent criminals from targeting vulnerable people.

“I will be addressing these issues along with our party Spokesperson on Justice, Jim O’Callaghan and local Councillor Eoghan O’Brien at a public meeting that I am hosting this Wednesday evening. 
“The meeting is being held in St Sylvester’s Parish Centre, Malahide at 7:30pm.
“People should not have to live in fear in their own homes. We need to see the Government get tough on criminals and protect our communities”, concluded Deputy O’Brien.