www.communityvoice.ie - Top business stories from Dublin 15

Minister addresses Chamber

Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform, Brian Lenihan TD was the guest speaker at the recent Blanchardstown Chamber business breakfast held in the Castleknock Hotel & Country Club. Over 40 local business people were on hand to hear the Minister speak on a range of issues from the economy to issues of crime and from education to the forthcoming Lisbon Treaty. Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan TD

According to the Minister, “Blanchardstown Chamber has played an invaluable role in representing the business community in the Blanchardstown area and contributing to the economic success of Blanchardstown in recent years and, by extension, the social development of the area.

“As a small open economy, we are of course, susceptible to international economic trends and movements and it is true that economically, we are now in choppy waters. But it is also true that the fundamentals of the economy today are no different from what they were 12 months ago. The foundations on which we built our current prosperity remain in place and are sound. We are now in a strong position to meet the challenges posed by the current international downturn,” he told his audience.

On the issue of law and order, the Minister said his highest priority was to bring gangland killings to an end and bring those involved in such activities to justice. “The gardaí face considerable difficulties in this, particularly in obtaining evidence in shootings and other attacks which are the result of gangland activities. This arises not least because next to none of the victims or the associates of victims will co-operate with the garda investigation. Nevertheless,” said Mr. Lenihan, “the gardaí are determined to pursue rigorously all killings, whatever their background.

The Minister stressed that the government is giving the gardaí and the rest of the criminal justice system the resources it requires to tackle criminal issues. “You will of course be well aware of the substantial level of capital invested in developing Blanchardstown Court House,” he said. “A total of €20 million has been set aside by the Garda Commissioner for Operation Anvil initiatives during the year. Anvil has proven central in the fight against crime since its introduction.”

He also promised to continue to increase garda numbers in Dublin 15. “This is reflected in the garda strength of Blanchardstown Station which at the end of March was 187 and the number of gardaí assigned to Blanchardstown will continue to increase as additional gardaí graduate from Templemore,” he said.

Mr. Lenihan pointed out however that while gun crime may get the headlines, most local people are much more concerned about issues of anti-social behaviour and public disorder. “I am keenly aware from my contact with communities and public representatives of the widespread concern about problems of public disorder. You are probably better placed than most to know how in some areas anti-social behaviour is making people’s lives a misery.” One of his priorities for the gardaí in 2008 is to combat the problems of public disorder with particular emphasis on alcohol related behaviour including underage drinking.

Thanking the Minister for his address to members, Chamber president Maura Cassidy said “as always, it was a pleasure to listen to such a polished and professional speaker. The Minister has given us a great insight into current issues within the Department of Justice and how they impact on the Dublin 15 area.”

Community Voice, Media House, Church Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Phone +353 1 822 1432 - Fax +353 1 640 4444
info@communityvoice.ie