Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West, Mark Ward, has accused the Government of abandoning communities again on the lead up to Halloween.

The Gardaí run Operation Tombola each year on the run up to Halloween to deal with illegal use of fireworks and anti-social behaviour. As restrictions are easing Deputy Ward is angered to discover that Operation Tombola is starting a month later this year compared to 2020.

Deputy Ward said:

“This misuse of fireworks has again been plaguing our communities this year. People in our community feel abandoned by the Government as a lack of visible policing is leading to a state of lawlessness.

“I have seen over the last month a rise in anti-social behaviour incidents and the illegal use of fireworks in my own area.

“The Gardaí run Operation Tombola each year on the run up to Halloween to deal with illegal use of fireworks and anti-social behaviour. Last year, after intense pressure from Sinn Féin,  Operation Tombola was brought forward by a month to begin on 4th September

“During a debate I had last year with the Minister for Justice she conceded that there may be a need to start Operation Tombola even earlier.

“I was very angered to find out during a recent meeting I attended of the Joint Policing Committee in South Dublin County Council that Operation Tombola has not even commenced yet and is not due to commence until the 1st of October

“So instead of bringing Operation Tombola forward it is now starting over a month later than last year. This is simply not good enough and has left our communities feeling abandoned.”