10/02/2016

Additional Garda Resources Announced To Help Fight Gangland Crime

An additional package of measures to help garda tackle gangland crime has been announced by Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald.

The additional resources are to be secured with funding of €5m and allow Gardai to "sustain and intensify saturation policing in Dublin City", including multiple rolling checkpoints and patrols.

A dedicated new Armed Support Unit for Dublin will be established, comprising 55 Gardai. The new unit will build on interim armed response measures currently being rolled-out by the ERU and other units.

Announcing the new measures, Minister Fitzgerald, said: "This violent feud is unprecedented in its audacity. The gangs show no regard for public safety. The events we have seen are outrageous. They are unacceptable."

"An Garda Siochána has the fullest support of the Government and I. Any and all resources will be provided.

"We will sustain and intensify saturation policing in Dublin City, including multiple rolling checkpoints and patrols."

"We will establish a dedicated new Armed Support Unit for Dublin, in addition to the ERU."

The Minister also noted that Garda have had many successes when it comes to gangland crime.

"Gangland murders have fallen from 17 in 2010 to 3 last year. Murder overall is down 47%," the minister added.

"I wish to acknowledge the dedicated, pain-staking and effective work of An Garda Síochána in tackling serious crime."

(MH/CD)

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