Limited Garda resources in Fingal make responding to criminality difficult

-       Local Deputy raises need for increase in resources allocated to An Garda Síochána in light of recent incidents in Malahide Portmarnock -

Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has said that the lack of Garda resources in the North County is a contributing factor in the number of violent incidents in the locality. 
Deputy O'Brien was speaking following a number of attacks carried out by thugs on teenagers in the Malahide and Portmarnock areas over the past week.
He said, “A number of threatening and violent incidents have taken place recently and in the space of a couple of days in the one area. There is a great degree of concern among the parents that have contacted me directly regarding these targeted crimes.
“The lack of Gardaí in North Dublin and in Fingal in particular has certainly been contributing to a general sense of fear and unsafety in communities. From Balbriggan to Rush & Lusk, Swords, Donabate & Portrane to Portmarnock and Malahide, Skerries to Naul and beyond, these deficits are being felt.
“The whole Dublin-Fingal region has experienced a cut of over 20% to Garda resources in the past five years. Rather than focusing on preventing criminal activity altogether, Gardaí are just about resourced enough to deal with current demands. That’s not good enough. 
“Cllr Eoghan O’Brien and I regularly meet with local senior Gardaí to discuss the ongoing issues with policing in Fingal. It’s very important to recognise that these recent incidents are not a reflection on the hard work and dedication shown by local Gardaí, it’s just not possible to prevent these crimes when our police force are not well enough equipped by the State.  
“Malahide, where these particular incidents involving young people took place, just about has a Garda Station operating on limited opening hours while Rush Garda Station is still not operational despite repeated promises from Fine Gael. These are densely populated areas and without a decent Garda presence. I will continue to campaign for this station to be open 24/7. 
“I've heard from countless residents who have attended my public meetings on crime, that they are fearful while out and about. We need more Gardaí assigned to police our community and help remove some of the fear and danger experienced by people living in Fingal. This Government must wake up to that fact. 
“As a community we must send a clear message that crime or anti-social behaviour of any nature will not be tolerated. I do hope that the young people who have been affected are recovering from what must have been a deeply traumatising experience,” concluded Deputy O'Brien.