merrion street

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald today met with senior officers of An Garda Síochána. The Taoiseach and the Minister were briefed on the significant progress being made in investigations into recent gang-related murders in the Dublin region.

The Taoiseach and the Minister were briefed on current policing operations in Dublin including those involving armed units. These include a range of responses from visible policing, the use of armed checkpoints and targeted and intelligence based operations; all aimed at disrupting and preventing incidents, as well as detecting and prosecuting those involved. They were also briefed on the progress being made in establishing an additional, dedicated Armed Support unit for Dublin which she first announced plans for in February.

The Minister said: 

Recent appalling events should not cause us to lose sight of the fact that An Garda Síochána have in the past successfully faced-down gangs who believed they were above the law. Nor should we underestimate the difficulties they face in counteracting the activities of members of gangs determined to kill each other in a cycle of vicious and mindless violence. But, however long it takes, and whatever resources are necessary, the State will take all measures open to it to bear down on the deadly activities of gangs.

For more information read the press release here.