COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

MOTION NO.13

MOTION: Councillor William Joseph Carey

That this Area Committee agrees that the Council Management should establish a group involving An Gardaí, Councillors and other relevant stakeholders to develop a plan to address the rising levels of drug dealing and anti social behaviour in Corkagh Park, similar to the successful approach that was previously taken with St Cuthberts Park.

REPORT:

 The rising levels of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in Corkagh Park was raised at the Clondalkin Local Policing Fora Public Meeting on the 15^th February 2023.   It was noted at this meeting that An Garda Siochana are currently experiencing staffing issues due to promotions from the district and recent retirements which has a knock on effect on policing the area.  An  Garda Siochana are actively recruiting and new personnel will be assigned to the District when possible. 

 A report of this meeting will be submitted to the Joint Policing Committee for review.  The next Joint Policing Committee Meeting is set to take place on the 28^th April, 2023.

Under Section 36 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 (the Act), the purpose of a JPC is to provide a forum where a local authority and senior Gardaí responsible for policing in the area, along with Oireachtas members and community interests can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area. It is generally intended that the actions of each JPC will be resourced by the organisations represented on the committee.

 Under the Act, the JPC is required to keep under review the levels and patterns of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area, including the patterns and levels of misuse of alcohol and drugs. It is also required to keep under review the factors underlying and contributing to the levels of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area.

 The JPC is to advise the local authority and the Garda Síochána on how they might best perform their functions, having regard for the need to do everything feasible to improve the safety and quality of life, and to prevent crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour within the area.

 Local Policing Fora can discuss and make recommendations to the JPC concerning crime and anti-social behaviour and those matters that impact on the ability of those living and working in the area to feel safe and to be safe.

 This matter will be raised at the next JPC on the 28^th April next for direct response from An Garda Siochana.