Laneway closure was ‘regrettable’ says Mcentee
JUSTICE Minister Helen Mcentee said she “regrets” a laneway was closed after being grilled about an Irish Mirror’s expose.
We revealed how drug addicts romped, shot up, and defecated in Harbour Court in Dublin and that it was a problem for the last 30 years.
The passage was also a frequent spot for fights, thefts, anti-social behaviour, and narcotic abuse.
Minister Mcentee said yesterday: “Safety whether it’s on a laneway or on our streets, it’s a responsibility for many and yes, policing has a role to play.
“In Dublin city centre alone, there’s not a person in the city will not say they haven’t seen an increase in the Garda presence.
“The Garda Commissioner has responded in the last number of months and the visibility, the increased presence, has really made a difference.”
When asked if she planned on closing more laneways, Mcentee said it was the Council who decided to shut it, not her.
During an interview with Morning Ireland, she was then asked about our story.
Mcentee said: “The decisions were made clear to me, the reason for this, was an increase in dumping, an increase in drug use … again I regret any lane that has been closed.
“Dublin City Council made this decision on foot of engagement with business and local representatives but we need to respond in a multitude of ways.
“The local community partnership which is looking at crime and safety as a whole is not just looking at policing.
She added: “It’s looking at safe spaces. It’s not just about policing. Policing is a huge part in keeping people safe but we need to look at it as a whole.
“Is there lighting, proper refuse collection, do we have services in the right place, are we supporting vulnerable people?”