Open drug dealing is now a major issue in Dublin city centre – and it is “frightening” people living and working in the capital, a former Garda inspector has warned.
A Fianna Fáil survey published earlier this month found that 70% of people have witnessed open drug dealing in Dublin.
The survey found that 80% of respondents have seen alcohol being consumed in public spaces and 73% have witnessed open drug use.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Fianna Fáil Senator Mary Fitzpatrick said she met with senior Garda chiefs last night to discuss the findings.
“I spoke to Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis, and we had a very constructive meeting,” she said.
“We’re demanding a greater Garda presence in the city on behalf of the people we represent and the people who visit, live, and work here.
“That might sound obvious, but it’s what the people are asking for; they just want to see more Gardaí allocated on a community basis.”
Enforcement
Senator Fitzpatrick was informed there has been increased Garda action in the city in recent months.
“They referenced that there have been over 63,000 prosecutions in the first six months of this year in Dublin, handed down to around 15,000 individuals,” she said.
“They also cited significant success in terms of drug seizures, with over €35 million worth of drugs being seized so far this year.”
Commissioner Drew Harris inspecting 319 new Gardaí at an Attestation Ceremony at the Garda Training College, Templemore. Image: Mark Condren/RollingNewsOpen drug dealing
Retired Garda inspector Tony Gallagher said open drug dealing is a major issue in the capital.
“It’s frightening people, and I witnessed three incidents of open drug dealing on the way to [Newstalk] studios last week to talk about it,” he said.
“To address the perception of public safety, we need enforcement to stop open drug dealing in the streets.
“There are also powers of arrest for people begging outside shops under the Public Order Act 2011, so we should enforce that too.”
'Not on the streets'
Mr Gallagher said a key issue is that Gardaí are being pulled to Dublin from elsewhere in the county.
“They are not on the streets, unfortunately, because they’re being brought in from places in the hinterland like Westmeath and Meath,” he said.
“You see their different shoulder numbers, and while their presence is fine, it's not the level of commitment that stakeholders are looking for."
The Fianna Fáil survey was conducted on 1,500 people across the city and 90% of respondents believe anti-social behaviour is a growing issue.
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Main image: Two members of An Garda Siochana on duty in Dublin city centre. Image: culliganphoto / Alamy Stock Photo
