Shots fired in Tallaght last night lead to calls for extra garda resources

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has called for extra garda resources for the Tallaght area after another shooting incident last night.

Deputy Crowe said shots appeared to have been fired at a car in the Bawnlea estate late last night.

He said:

“There is growing fear and tension in parts of Tallaght in the aftermath of last week’s shooting dead of a young woman.  Last night’s shooting has heightened those tensions.

“Many people are living in fear in the midst of this ‘turf war’ in case their homes be targeted or mistaken as belonging to those involved or associated with these criminal gangs.

“It is clear that extra garda resources are needed for the Tallaght area. Residents want to see a more overt presence of uniformed gardaí on the beat on the streets and in the estates of Tallaght.

“Only then will people begin to feel safe in their homes and communities.

“The gardaí responded very quickly to last night’s incident and I welcome that but it highlights the extent of the growing problem.

“It also highlights the need for a new approach and a strategy to prevent more young people drifting into crime and joining these gangs.

“The formation of a multi-faceted approach including the community, state agencies, the local authority, the local drugs task force and its satellite services, youth, education, probation and welfare services to come up with practical solutions including jobs, is the way to tackle these problems.”