‘We have seen the ripple effect drugs has on families and communities’
By Mary Dennehy
DRUGS and the devastation they are inflicting on communities was top of the agenda at a recent local policing forum, with calls for extra CCTV, drug dogs and “publicised deterrents” being made.
On Tuesday, May 8, members of the community and elected representatives met with Tallaght Garda Station and South Dublin County Council chiefs for the West Tallaght Local Policing Forum.
There was a strong turn-out from residents and community workers, who shared their experiences of life on the ground in estates while raising some insightful suggestions and solutions.
The meeting in the Maldron Hotel had a more collaborative air to it than past forums, with people appreciating the attendance of Tallaght Superintendent Ian Lackey, the divisional Chief Superintendent Kevin Gralton and Hugh Hogan, a chief executive officer with South Dublin County Council.
A number of gardai from Tallaght were also present, including some of the new community police recruits – who were welcomed to the area by residents, who believe a lack of community police in recent years has contributed to the breakdown of some estates.
Over the course of the meeting, the devastating effect drug dealing is having on families and the wider community was discussed – with many believing that the council needs to play more of an active role in its estates.
“I’ve never seen a deterrent coming from the council,” one woman said.
“We see people all the time in tears, afraid to go outside their doors, afraid to walk to the shops and I’m absolutely fuming that there has never been a publicised deterrent from the council.
“South Dublin County Council can come into estates and remove people from homes because there’s too many living in a house but you have a young lad dealing in his estate and there’s no deterrent?
“There is no form of communication from the council to say that this behaviour is not acceptable.”
Issues around people “living beyond their means” was also raised.
Sinn Fein councillor Dermot Richardson said: “There are people who are living very extravagant lifestyles and have their houses done up to the nines.
“Why aren’t they asked where they’re getting the money from.”
No accountability
According to councillor Louise Dunne, there is “no accountability, no consequences” for those involved in drug dealing.
In response, Hugh Hogan, a chief executive officer with the council, said that in cases where they get information [on people living beyond their means], they pass it onto the Criminal Assets Bureau [CAB].
“In the event that there are people living way beyond their means, CAB are investigating,” Mr Hogan told the meeting.
“The information is passed on [from the council] and CAB are aware of it and we believe that they will be dealing with those families.”
Another lady who spoke at the meeting asked Superintendent Ian Lackey if ‘drug dogs’ were an option for estates.
“There is a lot of drug dealing in my area and reports have been made but it continues,” she said.
“Is there any chance of getting drug dogs for the area?
“These young people are not holding the drugs, they’re hiding them in the grass and behind walls.
“Drug dogs might act as a deterrent and help to ensure that young children don’t find [any stashed drugs].”
Superintendent Lackey said that while there is no dog unit in Tallaght, and that these resources are shared across a number of stations, he would inquire about it.
He added: “Whatever can be done, we will back it 100 per cent.
“We have seen the ripple effect drugs has on families and communities.”
Encouraging communities to continue reporting drug dealing, Chief Superintendent Kevin Gralton said: “I will meet any of you, anywhere, anytime.”
It was confirmed by the council that funding for CCTV isn’t available at this time.
To report incidents of drug dealing contact Tallaght Garda Station on 6666000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25.
