Cairn Homes liaising with gardai to combat illegal activity
By Maurice Garvey
CAIRN Homes, the largest private landowner in Clonburris, are liaising with gardai in relation to an operation targeting crime along the Grand Canal.
A significant operation was implemented two years ago following violent thefts of commuters’ bikes and e-scooters, and organised drug dealing at certain hot spots along the canal.
Gardai on horse along the canal
The canal operation, from Lucan to Inchicore, features work by gardai, local authorities, Waterways Ireland and more recently developers including Cairn Homes, who are heavily involved in the Clonburris SDZ (Strategic Development Zone).
Recently, security hoarding was installed at the White House - a local lock keepers house on the Grand Canal - in an attempt to tackle drug dealing at the location.
Cairn paid €21.7 million for 97 acres in Clonburris, from NAMA and O’Callaghan Properties. The company already owned 174 acres in the area.
Speaking at the JPC Policing meeting on Friday, Clondalkin Superintendent Anthony Twomey said the weekly work of the “inter-department” efforts of Clondalkin and his colleagues at Lucan garda station, was very much about maintaining what has been done so far.
He said crime prevention strategies were conducted between the 12th Lock to Killeen Road within the policing district part of the canal.
The Garda dog unit at a lock along the canal
“Every week some form of action is happening there. With South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council and Waterways Ireland, we are looking at various bits and how to address this going forward,” said Supt Twomey.
“It is very much working and about making sure it is maintained. Fences damaged along the canal are repaired as quickly as possible, upgrading of CCTV, the level of patrolling has increased, targeted operations with drug and mounted units and air support. It is a considerable amount of work.
“We are liasing with Cairn Homes, who are on board to do what they can do to combat illegal activity.”
Lucan Garda Station Superintendent Paul Dolan said there is a “long-term” plan in place for the operation, which sees crossover work from gardai on either side of the canal.
He said they will continue to put garda push bikes out onto the canal, which acts as a deterrent and received good feedback from the public, while also linking in with local youth services.
