Anti-social behaviour is a broad term for any behaviour that can be seen to have a negative impact on the quality of life of residents and citizens. This can range from noise complaints to criminal damage to intimidation and drug related activity. What can be considered to be low level anti-social behaviour, such as persistent littering or noise pollution, may be reported to the relevant local authority. More serious incidents, such as intimidation, drug related activity or the dangerous misuse of e-scooters and similar vehicles, should be reported to An Garda Síochána.
In respect of incidents of criminal damage to public amenities, I have been clear that damage to community facilities is not only unacceptable, it is reprehensible. Every playground, every park, every public space represents considerable investment in not only financial terms, but also in terms of time and effort from the community, from the local authorities and their staff and the contractors who build these wonderful facilities.
The Government is taking a range of actions to tackle anti-social behaviour and public safety, including:
• Continued expansion of youth justice and youth diversion measures to reduce youth offending and improve safety for everyone in the community.
• Strengthening the laws around Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) to enable swifter action by Gardaí in such cases.
• Introducing Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) around the country, to develop Community Safety Plans that are tailored for every area.
LCSPs represent a significant step towards a more collaborative, responsive, and locally driven model of public safety. They will bring together a broad range of relevant stakeholders to address community safety issues in their area which will include residents, local councillors, community representatives business and education representatives, and a range of public services including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána and the local authority. A core part of their work will be to draft a Community Safety Plan tailored to the community's needs.
In addition this Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. The Garda Vote in Budget 2026 saw unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion to support sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.
Getting more Gardaí on our streets to prevent and detect crime and to ensure that people are safe and feel safe, is my first priority as Minister. Large cohorts of probationer Gardaí are now regularly attesting from the Garda College. 193 probationer Gardai took up duties on 1 May, with 141 of these allocated to the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
I am assured that An Garda Síochána maintains a coordinated and effective approach in protecting communities, individuals and their families from the harm and pain caused by drug abuse, associated violence and intimidation.
Community Gardaí play a pivotal role in building trust between Gardaí and the public, through visible, responsive policing and open dialogue in neighbourhoods, schools and diverse community groups. It is through this engagement that communities and Gardaí work together to prevent crime and strengthen local resilience.
As the Deputy is aware An Garda Siochana also introduced a High Visibility Policing (HPV) Plan in Dublin City Centre in March 2025. This initiative has since been rolled out to Cork and Limerick City Centres, as well as areas of South Dublin, including Tallaght and Dún Laoghaire.
We already have data on the impact of high visibility patrols in Dublin City Centre. During the period from April 2025 to March 2026, there were nearly 6,500 arrests made, over 13,500 charges/summonses and over 1,000 Adult Cautions/ Juvenile Diversion Referrals. The operation coincided with a 23% drop in theft, a 33% reduction in robbery from the person, and assaults causing harm were down by 18%.
The Garda Commissioner is committed to continuing this rollout to other areas of the Dublin Metropolitan Region, and to other areas nationwide.
