Operation Free-Flow at risk, says FF Senator

Operation Free-Flow could be axed because of a lack of funding, according to a Fianna Fáil Senator.

Dublin's traditional pre-Christmas traffic-saving plan is at risk because of the costs generated by the gardaí during the visits of Queen Elizabeth and Barrack Obama.

Senator Darragh O'Brien says that it is imperative that the money must be found.

“I have received information which suggests that Operation Free-Flow could be significantly curtailed or scrapped altogether this year,” he said.

“The Gardaí were forced to incur extra costs this year arising from the visits of President Obama and Queen Elizabeth however the failure of the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter to deal adequately with this for months now threatens Operation Free-Flow.

“The annual operation, designed to keep Dublin moving over the busy Christmas period, I understand is scheduled to run from Monday, December 5 until January 8. However I understand this is in danger.

“I note the Garda Commissioner is due to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Justice today on the issue of community policing. It may be possible to raise this issue with the Commissioner but I calling on the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter to state clearly that Operation Free-Flow will go ahead and will not be restricted.

“Consumer confidence is extremely low and the Government seems determined to push ahead with its 2% VAT hike next week despite the need to stimulate confidence not depress it. If Operation Free-Flow does not go ahead there will be a significant impact on city centre businesses.”