Gardaí arrest two juveniles after robberies on Dublin canal greenway

The Grand Canal Greenway route is widely used by commuters cycling and walking to and from work, as well as joggers, recreational users, and tourists. File picture

A targeted garda operation responding to a series of robberies and assaults along a busy commuter cycling route in Dublin has led to the seizure of electric bicycles and scooters, and the arrest of two juveniles.

Community groups in south-west Dublin have warned of incidents in recent weeks along a stretch of the Grand Canal Greenway, running through Clondalkin, Ballyfermot, Bluebell, and Drimnagh.

Reported incidents include electric bicycles being stolen, along with bank cards and other valuables.

The route is widely used by commuters cycling and walking to and from work, as well as joggers, recreational users, and tourists.

Garda Headquarters said officers in the Clondalkin area established an operation targeting incidents along the greenway between Ballyfermot and Clondalkin.

"Gardaí attached to Serious Crime South and Community Engagement Clondalkin conducted a high intensity policing operation along the Grand Canal Greenway between Killeen Road, Dublin 10 [Ballyfermot] and Grangecastle, Dublin 22 [Clondalkin] today Tuesday 21 April,” a stament said.

The greenway is described as a busy route used by walkers, runners, and commuters on bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters.

“In response to hi-jacking incidents of vehicles along the Grand Canal Greenway, gardaí have been engaged in a combination of covert and proactive patrols to identify suspects," it said.

“Today, Gardaí executed 10 search warrants at domestic residences in Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Kilmainham and Lucan.” 

During the operation, the following items were seized:

• Two electric bicycles suspected of being stolen;
• Two e-scooters suspected of being used in robberies;
• Three electric bicycle batteries with serial numbers removed;
• Electronic devices of evidential value;
• A bank card believed to have been stolen.

The statement said: “In addition, Gardaí arrested 2 juveniles in connection with this investigation who are detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Garda Stations in DMR (Dublin Metropolitan Region) West.” 

Gardaí said the high-intensity operation was a targeted, collaborative effort by Serious Crime South detective units and the Crime Task Force, supported by Clondalkin Community Engagement, and formed part of Operation Meacán.

Operation Meacán aims to tackle the use of electric vehicles, such as e-motorcycles, in criminal activity, including drug dealing, money laundering, transporting firearms, Drug Related Intimidation (DRI), and other serious offences.

Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan, chair of the Local Community Safety Partnership, said: "The greenaway along the Grand Canal is a resource for everyone who lives along this canal. Cyclists, runners and walkers use the greenway every day. Unfortunately recent attacks has caused fear amongst the public.

"It is hugely important that our walkways are safe for everyone. I welcome the actions taken by Gardaí under Operation Meacán. This sends out a very clear message. Our canals must be open, safe places for all our communities.” 

He added: "This action by the Gardaí will serve to improve relations with communities along the canal. I would encourage the public to report any suspicious activity to the Gardaí. It is important that today's action is built on and that the Grand Canal becomes even busier with walkers and cyclists."

 - Cormac O'Keeffe, security correspondent