Shocking assault on two gardaí highlights need for targeted and urgent response to anti-social behaviour in Dublin communities – Seery Kearney

A vicious assault on two garda members highlights the need for an urgent and targeted response to anti-social behaviour in Dublin communities, according to Fine Gael Senator Mary Seery Kearney.

Senator Mary Seery Kearney, who represents Dublin South Central, said: “The latest attack on two garda members in Ballyfermot while in the line of duty is reprehensible and it is represents another attack on a wonderful community who are appalled by this type of law-breaking.

“My thoughts are with the garda members as they recover from their injuries, and I would urge anyone with information to contact An Garda Síochána.

“An effective policing plan forms an important part of the response here, but it is not the only answer as the community needs to be involved and they must have assurances that everything that can be done will be done to ensure they feel safe and supported.

“These attacks represent an affront to our frontline workers and decent, law-abiding people who today are living in fear and thinking what will happen next following a breakdown in law and order in their community.

“It was only a few weeks ago that another incident occurred in the area when two gardaí were injured after their patrol car was rammed on Cherry Orchard Avenue.

“As recently as last Friday morning, I was in Cherry Orchard continuing my work meeting community groups to discuss what more can be done to tackle this type of anti-social behaviour and to ensure that their voices are heard as part of the new policing plan for the area.

“There was agreement that an intergovernmental and cross agency response is required, with additional resources allocated to local Garda stations as a matter of urgency so that they have the supports needed to deal with these type of incidents and ultimately, prevent them from happening.

“I am committed to working with my colleague, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, to put in place the most effective policing response for the area and I know the Minister is committed to continuing to engage with the community in Cherry Orchard.

“I am proud of Fine Gael and Minister McEntee’s commitment to stronger safer communities. Great work is being done with the Budget providing for 1000 Gardai and 400 administrative staff that will bring visible community policing and in the interim we need more visibility on the streets of great communities like Ballyfermot.

“Another great initiative is the Community Safety Innovation Fund and the people of Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard need to see the tangible evidence of that increased funding on their streets.

“I echo the calls for body cameras to protect gardai and the public – the passage of this legislation must be hurried through the Oireachtas so that great communities can feel the benefit of modern policing.”