Fianna Fáil has today launched a policy document to enhance and support urban living across Ireland. With two-thirds of the population residing in towns and cities, Fianna Fáil’s plan will make urban areas cleaner, safer, and more resilient.
Fianna Fáil will introduce a new Urban Communities Initiative, backed by €175m over the term of government. This initiative will focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by communities in areas of high disadvantage.
Launching the policy document today, Minister James Browne emphasised the importance of robust policing as a cornerstone for community safety.
“The Gardaí play an essential role in safeguarding the most vulnerable among us. Without a strong Garda presence, we risk chaos in our towns and cities.
"Fianna Fáil will expand the Garda force by 5000, the largest expansion ever in the history of the An Garda Síochána. This expansion will prioritise community and town-center policing, helping to create a safer environment across our towns and cities. We will also fund improved training facilities and equipment to support Gardaí as they adapt to the demands of growing urban populations."
Fianna Fáil recognise the need for a differentiated response to treating drug addiction on the one hand and tackling drug supply on the other.
“Drug addiction is a public health matter and will be treated with compassion and appropriate support,” said Minister Browne. “However, the illegal importation and distribution of drugs is a criminal justice issue that must be confronted firmly. This policy reaffirms our zero-tolerance stance on grooming children into crime, backed by legislation I introduced to criminalise the recruitment of minors as "runners" for drug gangs.''
Fianna Fáil has long advocated for the need for a dedicated Transport Police unit, focused on preventing and tackling crime and anti-social behaviour on our national public transport network.
"Public transport should not be a space where crime can thrive unchallenged," said Mary Fitzpatrick. "With a dedicated transport police, we will ensure that our transit system becomes a safer, more secure environment for everyone.”
Anti-social behaviour is a particular problem in our urban communities. It threatens and undermines the fabric and cohesion of our towns and cities and Fianna Fáil is determined to tackle it head on.
Following the launch, Jim O'Callaghan said that anti-social behavior and violent crime are a blight on our society. "It is not sufficient for society to merely shake its head and express condolences when young people lose their lives as a result of knife crime. More must be done, the punishment must match the crime. If returned to government, Fianna Fáil will strengthen knife crime legislation to ensure tougher sentences.”
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