Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has urged government to invest in visible daily Garda operations in Dublin city centre, to ensure that everyone in the city can be safe.
Yesterday Canadian tourist, Neno Dolmajian, died following an assault on 23rd June in the city.
Speaking in the Dáil during Leaders’ Questions, Teachta McDonald said:
“I want to express my deepest sympathies to Mr Dolmajian’s parents, his family, and his friends. Neno came to Dublin to experience all the greatness of our capital city. That he didn’t get to go home is heartbreaking.
“The vicious attack that led to Mr Dolmajian’s death again highlights the hard reality that our city centre is not safe. I say this as a very proud Dubliner, as a Dubliner who believes that this is the greatest city in the world, with the best people and the best communities.
“But the truth is the centre of Dublin City is scourged with antisocial behaviour, open drug-dealing and drug consumption and by gangs who create a daily atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
“The communities of the inner city of Dublin are sick and tired of the anti-social behaviour, the sense of threat and dread, fed up with the lack of support and services, angry that Garda resources are stretched beyond imagination.
“In the aftermath of the Dublin riots government made big promises, but the truth is you continue to fail the people of this city.
“Taoiseach, people need to know that they are safe in the city of Dublin at any time. That is the bare minimum that people are entitled to.
We need real action from the government, and we need proper investment of resources.
“Dublin City Centre needs a proper, ongoing Garda presence of a scale necessary to meet this challenge. That means strong, visible daily operations to ensure that people are safe and that the centre of our city is returned to the people – to those who live here, work here, who operate businesses in Dublin and to those who visit our great city.
“The inner city must be invested in. Communities have felt the lack of proper investment in youth work, community development and local services. Safe communities, strong communities are built from the grassroots up.”
