Increased policing patrols

THE superintendent of Tallaght Garda Station has increased policing patrols in West Tallaght following a series of “life-threatening” incidents in Jobstown in recent days.

On Tuesday evening, there was an alleged arson attack at a house in De Selby, while shots were fired at a house in Jobstown at around 11am on Sunday morning while children were cycling nearby.

This followed on from a shooting at the junction of Fortunestown Road and Jobstown Road on Tuesday last week (May 16) at 7.30pm, however no one sustained injuries in any of the incidents.

Tomas Gormley, the superintendent of Tallaght Garda Station, told The Echo: “There were a number of life-threatening incidents in the last few days, such as the discharge of firearms and arson attacks, which could’ve resulted in serious personal injury but thankfully did not.

“The perpetrators carried these out during daylight hours in residential areas with total disregard for the safety of the local community.

“These incidents are being fully investigated under the supervision of a senior investigator working with a dedicated team of gardaí in Tallaght Garda Station.

“An incident room has been established to coordinate this investigation and I would like to reassure the local community that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated by An Garda Síochána and we will do our utmost to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

A gunman points a firearm towards a house in Jobstown at the weekend

Along with the establishment of the incident room, Supt Gormley said garda patrols in West Tallaght have now increased and he appealed to people with information on the incidents to get in touch.

“I’ve increased our policing presence in the area with additional patrols in support of Operation Hybrid,” he said, referring to the garda operation that targets organised crime.

“The regional armed support unit will assist us in that regard.”

Supt Gormley added: “An Garda Síochána’s main priority is to keep the community of West Tallaght safe.

“I would appeal to the community to assist us by coming to us with any information they may have in relation to the incidents that occurred over the last few days.

“That information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism.”

People with information can contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 666 6000, or any garda station, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or 999.