Local politicians accused of scaremongering for political gain by Minister

By Maurice Garvey

MINISTER for Justice Frances Fitzgerald, has accused local politicians of scaremongering for political gain.

The Tánaiste says increased garda resources and intensive policing operations are yielding results in Dublin Mid West, citing the recent seizures of weapons, cash and bank accounts in Rathcoole.

She also cited the recent addition of 679 new garda recruits since the reopening of the Garda College, of which 67 have been assigned to the DMR West region which includes the Lucan and Clondalkin districts.

Minister Fitzgerald said: “We are now making real progress in the fight against organised crime. Over the last year the Government has made significant extra resources available to the gardaí to allow them to intensify their efforts to combat crime.

“I am absolutely committed to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing throughout our communities. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of another 800 garda recruits.

She continued: “Garda numbers in Dublin Mid West are increasing and will continue to increase. The most recent from the independent CSO office show there were decreases in many crime categories, including a 26 per cent reduction in burglaries.

“I am informed that on November 30, 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the garda strength of the Lucan district was 164, and the strength of the Clondalkin district was 197.”

The Minister also noted the work of the new Garda Special Crime Force, her approval of funding for a dedicated Armed Support Unit, and Operation Hybrid, set up in response to violent crime in Dublin.

Sinn Féin Councillor Mark Ward welcomed the increased garda numbers, but said he would like to “invite the Minister to walk with me in the most disadvantaged areas, as people on the ground have yet to see an impact.”