Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has raised the lack of safety in Dublin City Centre following an incident this morning where a man brandished a knife near Gaelscoil Colaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square.

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Ms McDonald said:

“Sadly, today we’ve had another incident on Parnell Square where children have been left frightened and traumatised.

“The communities of the inner city of Dublin are sick and tired of the anti-social behaviour, the sense of threat and dread, sick and tired of the lack of support and services, sick tired of Garda resources stretched beyond imagination.

“People who live in the inner city are absolutely incredulous at the government’s claim that the city centre is safe. I say this as a proud Dubliner – this is not the case. So, we need real action, and we need proper investment of resources.”

Addressing the Taoiseach directly, the Sinn Féin leader continued:

“Taoiseach, you had a lot to say about the setting up of a task force for Dublin. We’ve heard nothing back on that. Today again, we have circumstances where very small children, and their parents are very afraid again. That is not acceptable. We need a concrete plan from the government once and for all.”