The Taoiseach said he will consider creating a task force to tackle the drug problems, antisocial behavior and violent incidents that are rampant on Dublin’s O’Connell Street.
However, Micheál Martin said that the problems on the capital’s main road may need something more structured and systemic and that a discussion was needed on whether a task force would be the “panacea”.
His comments come as an investigation by RTÉ Prime Time, which aired Tuesday night, shows the extent of the problems plaguing the busy street.
The images shared online show open drug trafficking, as well as assaults and violent attacks.
Róisín Shortall, co-leader of the Social Democrats, said few people were shocked or shocked by the images.
“O’Connell street and the surrounding area have been in decline now for several years,” Ms. Shortall told Dáil Wednesday, reported Breaking News.
The Dublin North-West TD also criticized the decision to “downgrade” a Garda station on O’Connell Street to a Garda liaison office.
The opening of the Garda headquarters was part of a plan to counter antisocial behavior and increase the presence of Garda in the area.
Martin said there are serious social problems and said he would consider setting up a task force to address the problems.
Martin also said Dublin City Council must be at the heart of O’Connell Street’s rejuvenation.
According to Breaking News, Ms Shortall said that the scourge of drug addiction is often at the “root of criminal justice issues”, which is a product of deprivation and poverty.
She said successive governments have promised better drug services and supervised injection centers for years have yet to materialize.