Time for Dubliners to stand up for our city – Ardagh
Published on: 18 January 2016
Fianna Fáil Press Office
Cllr Catherine Ardagh
Dublin South Central
18 January 2016
Time for Dubliners to stand up for our city – Ardagh
Fianna Fáil candidate for Dublin South Central Cllr Catherine Ardagh called on her fellow Dubliners to join together to stand up for the city and to support Fianna Fáil in its bid to clean up the capital city.
Speaking at the party’s Ard Fheis in City West at the weekend Cllr Ardagh said: “The dramatic increase in crime in Dublin allied to the Government’s policy of slashing Garda numbers has resulted in many people living in fear in their own homes, in businesses under continuous threat of theft and anti-social behaviour on our streets.
“We need a government that is committed to tackling the crime epidemic in Dublin and ensuring that all citizens can live in safety and without fear. Our capital has almost 700 fewer gardai in 2015 compared to 2010. Fianna Fáil will reverse this.
“We will also set up a special unit within the gardaí to clean up the city, target blatant substance abuse on the streets and crack down on violent and intimidating behaviour on public transport and in public areas.
“The fact is that people in Dublin are tired of having to turn a blind eye to the ever increasing pervasiveness of drugs, alcohol abuse, petty theft, vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
“Just look at the boardwalk along the Liffey which has turned into a drugs sanctuary and it’s extremely distressing and intimidating for Dubliners and tourists alike.
“Sadly this type of activity is spread out in pockets throughout the city. Petty thefts, muggings and bike thefts are on the increase. It’s very frustrating that our capital is being marred by such behaviour.
“Right now, the gardaí do not have the support to tackle this on a day to day basis. They simply don’t have the manpower, the resources and the political support to target this type of criminal activity to the extent that is needed. People living, working and visiting this city should not be expected to just accept this any longer.
“If we are in government this year we will ensure that a dedicated Public Order Unit within An Garda Síochána is set up to specifically target anti-social behaviour, public disorder and petty crime in the city.
“We have already published a bill to do this. And if it is passed Public Order Unit would be up and running within three months of the bill going through.
“It’s time for all of us in Dublin to stand up for our communities and enact constructive proposals to clean our capital city.”
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