Paul Donnelly
Ceist:785. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice for an update on Operation Tombola this year, within DMR west. [45048/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 5 November 2024
Ceisteanna (785, 787)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:787. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice for an update on Operation Tombola this year within DMR north. [45050/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 785 and 787 together.
As the Deputy is aware, each year in the run up to Halloween, additional efforts are made by An Garda Síochána to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, under what is known as Operation Tombola. Operation Tombola is a national operation.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that Operation Tombola was actively implemented across the DMR in the lead-up to and during the Halloween period, with each Chief Superintendent overseeing targeted measures to address the sale, supply, and possession of fireworks, as well as anti-social behaviour.
I have been further informed that among the actions incorporated into the Divisional Policing Plans - particularly within the DMR North & West Divisions, as well as across all DMR divisions - were enhanced patrolling, with increased overt and covert patrols in key areas, including usual gathering locations for young people and areas likely to stockpile bonfire materials.
There were also regular patrols on Dublin Bus, LUAS, and DART services in the days leading up to Halloween, ensuring a visible presence to deter anti-social behaviour.
Gardaí conducted talks and sessions in schools and youth services throughout the region, specifically targeting young individuals who may be involved in the sale, supply, or use of fireworks, and the identification of unplanned and unsupervised bonfire sites also took place, followed by coordination with local authorities to remove any stockpiled bonfire materials before Halloween.
I have also been advised that gardaí engaged in active monitoring of open-source media to identify potential locations where individuals were engaging in the illegal sale and supply of fireworks, and designated Garda personnel were assigned to monitor CCTV feeds to ensure incidents were addressed swiftly and to capture necessary evidence for follow-up.
A key component of Operation Tombola this year has been active engagement with local authorities and partner agencies in each division, and gardaí collaborated closely with these stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to preventing anti-social behaviour during the Halloween period.
These measures were effectively coordinated to minimize the risk of anti-social behaviour, ensure public safety, and maintain a secure environment during the Halloween period.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that there have been 53 seizures in the DMR during Operation Tombola involving the seizure of illegal fireworks.