Almost 90% of survey respondents support Fianna Fáil call for 24 hour, 7 day a week criminal District Court in Dublin

 

 

A survey conducted by Dublin members of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party has revealed startling results regarding respondent's experience of anti-social behaviour in Dublin. 

 

The survey, which took in the views of almost 1500 people, found that almost 90% of respondents supported Fianna Fáil's call for a 24 hour, 7 day a week criminal District court in Dublin to ensure offenders could be brought immediately before the District court.

 

The survey further disclosed that over 65% of respondents had personally witnessed anti-social behaviour in the city centre, and over 90% believed that such behaviour has worsened over the past decade.

 

In response to these alarming figures and recent attacks in the city, the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party has passed a motion advocating for the following actions:

 

 

Fianna Fáil Senator in Dublin Central, Mary Fitzpatrick said, "The survey results are a clear call to action. The people of Dublin want to feel safer in the city.  People are demanding more effective measures to combat the rise in anti-social behaviour and crime. We need to see Gardaí dedicated on a small area basis on foot in our communities.  Community Gardaí working on the ground are valued and supported by residents and businesses alike. It's evident that people want to see the return of the community Garda on our streets, public spaces and on public transport.

 

Deputy Jim O’Callaghan called for the establishment of a 24/7 criminal District Court and said the deployment of dedicated Gardaí to public transport are critical steps in restoring safety and order in our city. "It is imperative that we adopt a comprehensive and targeted approach to address these issues. By collaborating with Gardaí, DCC Estate Management, Area Management, and Justice Diversion Programmes, we can work towards a safer Dublin for all.''

 

The Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Justice also called for further measures to strengthen law enforcement and community safety. "We must also focus on proactive monitoring and enforcement of bail conditions for those awaiting trial to prevent repeat offenses. Community service and restorative justice should be prioritised for those convicted to promote rehabilitation. Moreover, we need to review the location and hours of operation of Garda stations in Dublin, with a view to planning for additional stations to serve our growing population. These steps are essential to ensuring that our law enforcement resources are effectively allocated and accessible to all residents."

 

Party spokesperson on Dublin & TD for Dún Laoghaire, Cormac Devlin said, "Dedicated community Gardaí on a small area policing basis, along with mandatory foot or pedal bike patrols for at least 60 minutes on every shift, will significantly enhance visibility and foster a stronger sense of security. This approach allows officers to build trust and rapport with residents, making our communities safer and more connected."