KENNY WELCOMES GARDA RESPONSE TO RECENT PUBLIC ORDER DISTURBANCES IN HOWTH

Posted on June 19, 2013 1:38 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin Bay North Labour TD and member of the Oireachtas Justice Committee has welcomed the response he has received from the Gardaí regarding recent public order disturbances in Howth and the actions they have taken to deal with such events, and what they will do if more occur.

"I directly asked by way of Dáil Question to the Minister for Justice about recent events in Howth and he has informed me that An Garda Síochána has told him that it is aware of issues which can be associated with periods of extended good weather, including the recent events in Howth. The Gardaí have told him that they continue to meet these challenges and deploy additional resources where necessary. Local Garda management in the area are satisfied that sufficient resources were available, under Garda Operation Irene, which is a Regional Operational Plan which will operate from June until August in order to deal with instances of public disorder and anti-social behaviour."

"The Gardaí told the Minister that on Tuesday, 4 June 2013, a large group of up to 200 youths gathered on the East Pier in Howth. The majority of youths were well behaved, however approximately 30 youths had consumed alcohol. Local Gardaí attached to Howth Garda Station monitored and patrolled the area and seized alcohol from youths and the youths concerned were dispersed. Local businesses were contacted by Gardaí to appraise them of the situation and management at the local Supermarket agreed to remove alcohol from display. Gardaí liaised with Fingal County Council to facilitate vehicular access to the beach to allow Gardaí to patrol it. Three persons were arrested and Gardaí remained on duty until all the youths had dispersed."

"On Saturday, 8 June 2013, an operation was mounted by Gardaí as a result of information contained on Facebook suggesting a 'Rave' on Burrow Beach, Sutton. An Operational Policing Plan was put in place and additional resources were assigned to the Howth Garda Sub-District. Large amounts of alcohol were seized at local Dart stations and checkpoints were set up near the beach area. There were five Public Order Offences, four of which will be dealt with by way of juvenile referral and one by way of summons. There were no incidents of injury to persons or property reported. Gardaí liaised with Fingal County Council and Iarnrod Eireann during this operation."

"An Garda Síochána also told the Minister that they are satisfied that sufficient legislation exists to deal with situations like these. These include measures under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts. The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 provides Gardaí with powers to deal with anti-social conduct attributable to excessive drinking, including exclusion orders in respect of premises and closure orders for licensed premises and catering outlets following anti-social behaviour related offences. In addition, the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 gives further powers to Gardaí to tackle the misuse of alcohol, including the power to seize alcohol in the possession of an under 18 year old which they suspect is for consumption in a public place. Gardaí may can also seize alcohol to forestall public disorder or damage to property. Fixed charge notices may be issued for the offences of intoxication in a public place and disorderly conduct in a public place. This option has the benefit of a more efficient use of Garda and Court resources, while also allowing an offender who complies with the notice to avoid a possible criminal record."