Public order hot-spots to be patrolled, vows Power

PUBLIC order hot-spots, including dance venues, late-night takeaways and taxi ranks are being targeted by gardaí with extra uniformed patrols set to go on the beat.

The pledge to patrol locations where fights flare up on weekend nights was made by Junior Justice Minister Sean Power last night.

Attending the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors annual conference, Mr Power outlined to delegates the Garda Commissioner’s policing plan for 2008, which included targeting specific flash points.

“As part of this work, each Garda assistant commissioner has been tasked by the commissioner with preparing and implementing a public order strategy, with the aim of increasing enforcement and detection and reducing recorded incidence of public disorder and antisocial behaviour.”

Mr Power said public order hot-spots included not only discos, food outlets and public transportation hubs but also accident and emergency departments in city hospitals, particularly on Thursday to Sunday nights and bank holiday weekends. “There will be additional high-visibility uniform patrols by members of An Garda Síochána on beat, mobile and mountain-bike duties,” he said.

Mr Power also responded to concerns raised by the association over benchmarking payments and proposed Garda district and divisional boundary changes.

The Government was putting together a submission on how the association might have an input into pay negotiations, he said.

The association’s president Paschal Feeney told delegates gangland crime was a “huge concern”. Mr Power told reporters gangland crime was a “top priority” for government and efforts were being made to combat knife and gun crimes in this year’s policing plan.