KENNY PRAISES GARDA RESPONSE TO RECENT INCIDENTS IN HOWTH

Posted on June 14, 2013 2:47 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Howth Labour TD Seán Kenny member of the Oireachtas Justice Committee has praised the response by the Gardaí to the recent incidents that occurred in Howth.

"While the country was enjoying the long spell of good weather recently, there were some challenges for the Gardaí when it came to patrolling in Howth on top of their normal policing duties."

"On the 4th of June, a large group of up to 200 youths gathered on the East Pier in Howth. The majority of youths were well behaved, boisterous but law abiding citizens, however 30 youths approximately had consumed alcohol. Gardaí attached to Howth monitored and patrolled the area and seized alcohol from youths. The youths were dispersed. Some moved to the Claremont beach area, others to the Dart Station and others moved to Howth village."

"Local businesses were contacted by Gardaí to apprise them of the situation and the management in the local Supermarket, Centra agreed to remove alcohol from display. Fingal County Council facilitated Gardaí by opening vehicular access to the beach for Garda to patrol the beach. Liaison is continuing with Howth Harbour Master to address the issues raised. Gardaí arrested three youths and they were dealt with by way of juvenile diversion programme."

The local Garda Superintendent has told me - "On Saturday the 8th of June, an operation was mounted by Gardai in this District as a result of information contained on Facebook suggesting a 'Rave' on Burrow Beach. An Operational Policing Plan was put in place and additional resources were assigned to the Howth Sub District under my direct supervision. Large amounts of intoxicating liquor were seized at local Dart Stations and Checkpoints were set up near the beach area. Much assistance was received from Fingal County Council and from Iarnrod Eireann."

"In both cases, Gardaí remained on duty until all the youths had dispersed and are to be commended for their pro-active approach to preventing a serious incident. Such policing operations are labour intensive and costly and it must also be borne in mind that other amenity areas in the District need to be policed such as Dollymount, St Anne's Park, Fairview Park in addition to normal policing activities."

"I understand that Gardaí will continue to patrol Howth Harbour and local beaches and will deal with all incidents appropriately, which I very much welcome."