Corpo says scheme is cutting begging and boozing
Dublin Corporation claim begging and street drinking have been curbed considerably thanks to a new initiative launched by in conjunction with the police and health authorities.
Since the project began in June, litter louts, vandals and anyone else seen to be indulging in anti-social behaviour has been targeted by police with the aim of boosting the environment in Dublin’s busiest business and shopping areas.
The so-called “public domain” stretches from Parnell Square, on the northern side of the city centre, to St Stephen’s Green, in the south.
And the results were so encouraging in the opening months that it has been extended to the hectic Christmas period.
Garda chief superintendent Al McHugh reported: “There have been 2,800 arrests since June right across the board in the city centre – including 70 for begging.
“The same names keep cropping up and usually it is found that the offences have an alcohol or a drugs dependence.”
Officials behind the scheme have also rejected suggestions that the problems in the heart of the city have simply been swept elsewhere – or that the initiative amounts to zero tolerance, Irish-style.
As many as 50 known individuals – regarded as people in “difficult personal circumstances” – are currently receiving counselling and other services, getting advice on accommodation and addiction treatment, among other things.
Dublin city manager John Fitzpatrick said the policy was based on adopting a lower level of tolerance rather than none at all.
He added: “We have put a special regime in place in the city centre,”
