Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has said he was “deeply concerned” at the news that An Post have suspended deliveries to a Tallaght Estate following a number of incidents involving staff including threats to their overall safety and security.
Teachta Crowe has spoken to An Post and An Garda Síochána about this development and has called for a meeting with South Dublin County Council, the Gardaí, State Agencies, elected representatives and An Post to find a solution to the problem.
He said a small minority cannot be allowed to disrupt vital services for an entire community.
Deputy Seán Crowe said:
“I am deeply concerned at the news that An Post has now suspended deliveries to a Tallaght Estate following a number of incidents involving staff including threats to their overall safety and security.
“I am also aware of An Post taking similar decisions following incidents with individual households like a dog attack but this is a first involving an entire estate.
“This is a serious development and requires a proactive Garda response. A small minority cannot be allowed to disrupt vital services for an entire community. This suspension will undoubtedly hurt the elderly, the vulnerable and those who have mobility problems.
“At the last Joint Policing Forum I raised with senior Garda representatives a highly publicised attack on a Tesco delivery driver and were other incidents of assaults and robbery involving taxis and food delivery drivers and called for an additional response in areas where this was happening.
“This latest development is a serious escalation and requires a robust response including additional officers in the area.
“I spoke An Post this morning about the suspension of services and they say they have a duty of care to their staff and cannot allow a situation develop where their staff are put at risk. They have informed customers of alternative arrangements and hope to resume deliveries as soon as possible.
“I have asked that An Post sit down formally with the local Garda Authorities to try and resolve this impasse and hope that this can happen as soon as possible.
“I also believe that South Dublin County Council, The Garda Authorities, State Agencies including Public representatives need to sit down collectively and agree on actions following this development.
“This Saturday thousands of residents from Tallaght and its hinterland will meet in the Village at the Tallafest, enjoying and participating in all that is positive about this area. Sadly a small minority by their actions undermine the positivity and quality of life of many in this community.”
ENDS