Fianna Fáil Senator and Group leader in the Seanad, Catherine Ardagh has expressed her concern over limited Garda resources to take on the escalating level of crime in the South inner city.
Commenting on the latest shooting which took place last Saturday in the Bluebell area, Senator Ardagh said, “As gun related violence has spread in our locality over recent months, we heard repeated promises from Government to crack down on its brutality. Yet little has been put in place and resources have have been further limited.
"Fianna Fáil recently obtained figures which indicate that the number of Gardaí assigned to community policing in Dublin South Central has fallen by over half since 2011. These Gardai form an integral part of the multi-faceted approach required to stamp out gangs, by helping to curb criminal behaviour.
"Over two months ago we were assured by the Minister that the new Armed Regional Support Unit would be operational by July to tackle the challenges faced by Gardaí in the capital and surrounding area. It is wholly unacceptable that we are still experiencing a delay in its formation when it is so critically needed.
“The policy of ignoring gangland associated crime has put communities and vulnerable individuals at serious risk too long. This government must increase their efforts to allocate appropriate resources to tackle gun crime. We must see a greater commitment to protecting vulnerable communities at the helm of intimidation and violence,” added Senator Ardagh.
-ENDS-
Commenting on the latest shooting which took place last Saturday in the Bluebell area, Senator Ardagh said, “As gun related violence has spread in our locality over recent months, we heard repeated promises from Government to crack down on its brutality. Yet little has been put in place and resources have have been further limited.
"Fianna Fáil recently obtained figures which indicate that the number of Gardaí assigned to community policing in Dublin South Central has fallen by over half since 2011. These Gardai form an integral part of the multi-faceted approach required to stamp out gangs, by helping to curb criminal behaviour.
"Over two months ago we were assured by the Minister that the new Armed Regional Support Unit would be operational by July to tackle the challenges faced by Gardaí in the capital and surrounding area. It is wholly unacceptable that we are still experiencing a delay in its formation when it is so critically needed.
“The policy of ignoring gangland associated crime has put communities and vulnerable individuals at serious risk too long. This government must increase their efforts to allocate appropriate resources to tackle gun crime. We must see a greater commitment to protecting vulnerable communities at the helm of intimidation and violence,” added Senator Ardagh.
-ENDS-