Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, has praised the efforts of emergency responders including fire fighters, ambulance crews and An Garda Síochána on Hallowe’en night, but said that the anti-social behaviour that they encountered in several areas is unacceptable and needs to be stamped out. The Sinn Féin TD said that once again criminal elements had used the festivities to wreak havoc in many estates.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“This Hallowe’en, as with all Hallowe’ens, Dublin Fire Brigade served the people of this area with utmost dedication. Their bravery is beyond reproach. Similarly so with the Ambulance Crews and an Garda Síochána, but none of these emergency responders should have been subjected to the abuse and behaviour they experienced in a number of areas that night.

“The anti-social behaviour that they were faced with in many areas is unacceptable and needs to be stamped out. Many communities were left with the fallout from Hallowe’en night including burnt out cars, greens destroyed, and rubbish dumped on roads presumably for burning.

“On Hallowe’en night there were reports on social media of barricades and burning cars blocking streets with emergency responders being attacked and abused. Once again criminal elements have used the festivities to wreak havoc on the lives of residents.

“I came across a stolen car being raced around one estate at 4.30 in the afternoon while children began knocking on doors for Hallowe’en treats. Unfortunately joyriding in bought and stolen cars has emerged once again and is undermining the quality of life in many neighbourhoods.

“I received a number of distressed calls from residents incensed on the night at what they were witnessing in their communities, while emergency responders literally risk life and limb to rescue and make them feel safe in emergencies.

“Illegal bonfires are a topic that has been much discussed and will continue to be, but this sort of behaviour must be eliminated quickly and effectively. We cannot have the safety of emergency responders and the public endangered by this type of stupidity. It needs to be stamped out and dealt with effectively through the courts.” 

ENDS