The Lord Mayor of Dublin will meet senior gardaí today after three people were arrested following disturbances in a north inner city housing estate.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Eibhlin Byrne called the meeting over public disorder at O’Devaney Gardens, North Circular Road, on Wednesday night.
The trouble, believed to have involved up to 70 people, is thought to have broken out following a local funeral.
Ms Byrne will meet Assistant Garda Commissioner Al McHugh to discuss the worsening antisocial behaviour in the area.
“We have to get the message out loud and clear that we are not going to let these thugs take over the city because that’s exactly what they’re trying to do,” the Lord Mayor said.
“You’re talking about serious antisocial behaviour to the extent that women can’t go to bed at night and are absolutely terrified,” Ms Byrne added. “In some cases, they’re warning residents that they’ll be down to get them later. As far as I’m concerned, no civic society can accept that.”
Three men were arrested under the Public Order Act following Wednesday night’s disturbances. Gardaí said no one was seriously injured.
The O’Devaney Gardens complex had been earmarked for massive regeneration in a joint project involving the Government and developer Bernard McNamara.
The plan collapsed last month when Mr McNamara announced he was pulling out of the scheme.
Ms Byrne also called on Dublin City Council to demolish a number of derelict blocks in the estate as soon as possible.
PA