Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South Central, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, has said that government is failing to keep workers and communities safe.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh was responding after tourists were forced to barricade themselves into a pub on Thomas Street after being attacked by a gang with hammers.

Teachta Ó Snodaigh said:

“My thoughts today are with those tourists who were attacked, and also the workers and local community who have been terrorised and intimidated by this kind of behaviour.

“Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident. Communities in the south inner-city simply do not feel safe, and have not felt safe for a long time.

“After 13 years of Fine Gael in government, there has been a total failure to give our city the necessary Garda resources to ensure the safety of workers, commuters and our communities.

“Time and again, Fine Gael have promised to increase Garda numbers. Yet the reality is that there are now significantly fewer Gardaí than there were at the start of last year.

“In our city centre, violence and disorder are far too common and people lack confidence that Gardaí will be able to attend quickly when a crime is reported.

“In Sinn Féin’s document ‘Keeping Communities Safe’ we outlined our solutions; including how a new recruitment model would deliver more Gardaí quickly and ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs properly.

“Workers, business owners and residents are proud to live and work in Dublin but too often they live in fear of their safety.

“A Sinn Féin government would stand up for communities. We would ensure there are enough Gardaí on our streets and in our communities, so people can have confidence that they and their families are safe.

“We have the plan and the solutions to deliver the reforms that are needed to ensure Dublin can be a safe, welcoming and thriving city for all.”