Latest news with #RayMcAdam
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Nine e-scooters seized as gardaí use new safety technology in Dublin
Gardaí have begun trialling new safety devices that can measure the speed of e-scooters and e-bikes. The portable devices, called mobile dynamometers, can determine the maximum speed that the vehicles are capable of. New laws governing the use of e-scooters were introduced in May 2024 and include limiting their maximum speed to 20km/h. They must also meet lighting and braking standards. The use of such vehicles by those under the age of 16 was also banned. READ MORE Any e-scooters that do not comply with these requirements can be seized by gardaí and a fixed charge notice can be issued to the user. In a post on X, the Garda said checks were carried out using the new dynamometer technology in Dublin on Thursday. Nine e-scooters were seized for a range of offences, including speeding and exceeding the maximum rated power output. [ E-scooters perceived as most dangerous form of transport in Ireland, report finds Opens in new window ] Fine Gael councillor for Dublin's north inner city Ray McAdam welcomed the new technology. 'We see e-scooters and similar machines travelling at speeds much greater than 20km/h across our city streets'. 'Those that ride those machines, I believe, are at risk because of the speeds they travel at, but they're also a huge risk to other road users and other pedestrians in the city centre'. Janet Horner, a Green Party councillor in the same district, said that while the speed enforcement is generally positive, 'it will also exasperate some road safety campaigners who have been calling for more enforcement on cars and other vehicles in the city. 'There is widespread and blatant flouting of the current speed limits around the city by all vehicles and we urgently need more enforcement mechanisms, including speed cameras, red light cameras and more visible traffic policing.'
The Journal
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Councillors flag fears with Department of Justice over government scrapping local policing fora
DUBLIN CITY COUNCILLORS from across the political spectrum have raised serious concerns with the Department of Justice about the government's decision to scrap local committees charged with holding gardaí accountable. Politicians from both government and opposition parties told two senior Department of Justice officials they did not support the government's decision to scrap Joint Policing Committees, at a meeting in Dublin city's civic offices last month. The government is replacing Joint Policing Committees with a more collaborative model, Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs), which it says is part of a 'whole of government' approach to community safety. Gardaí will now be just one of a number of state agencies at the table, along with community representatives and some politicians. Fine Gael councillor Ray McAdam said concerns were raised at the meeting about the perceived ineffectiveness of the new approach and about the erosion of democratic accountability: TDs, Senators and many councillors will no longer have a seat at the table from which to engage with gardaí responsible for policing in their area in the new LCSPs. 'People's views were very pessimistic,' McAdam said, adding that the general view expressed at the meeting by councillors was that 'we were trying to reinvent the wheel when it was unnecessary to do so'. Green Party councillor Janet Horner said she and other councillors told the meeting that while the theory of a more collaborative approach to community safety 'sounds great', the practical experience in Dublin's north inner city where the approach has been trialled has been 'quite troubling'. Labour councillor Dermot Lacey said the new structure is 'fundamentally undemocratic', reducing the role of elected members and increasing the power of statutory bodies, eroding the already very limited powers of local government. 'The HSE and Tusla are being given the same status as elected representatives. They are public bodies that should be answerable and accountable to elected representatives. Imagine the HSE sitting around the table at the Oireachtas Health Committee as equal members,' Lacey said. Advertisement Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan told The Journal this week that he understood Dublin councillors' concerns over the scrapping of Joint Policing Committees – but did not agree with them. Since 2006, Joint Policing Committees have convened councillors and local members of the Oireachtas, along with senior gardaí and community representatives, to discuss local policing needs and priorities. By contrast with the Joint Policing Committees' focus on the work of gardaí, the new LCSPs' remit – community safety – is broader and the approach more holistic, with An Garda Síochána only one of a number of state agencies around the table. Horner said state agencies who will be involved in the new committee should be required to appoint officials with control over budget as members. 'Once money is on the table, people get more interested in the outcomes of the project,' she said. McAdam said he and other councillors familiar with the Dublin's north inner city raised concerns that the inclusion of other state agencies such as the HSE n the new structure could be a 'box-ticking exercise' for the relevant officials, rather than a meaningful form of engagement. Minister defends decision Asked about Dublin councillors' concerns this week, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said the new local partnerships would commence 'soon' and would offer interagency coordination to address the 'social issues' affecting community safety. 'It won't just be guards and councillors. It will be guards, councillors, the HSE, Tusla – a wide group of people who will be able to address the broader social issues,' O'Callaghan said. It's understood O'Callaghan's officials told the recent meeting that some changes to the government plan are likely, including that the chairs of the new LCSPs will be elected by the members of the committees, rather than being appointed by the Department of Justice as originally planned. The Department of Justice said LCSPs will 'build on the good work of the Joint Policing Committees', and go further than their predecessors by 'bringing together a broader range of relevant stakeholders' including resident; representatives of young people, older people, new and minority communities; business and education representatives. Related Reads The government is quietly scrapping local committees charged with holding gardaí accountable Policing is only one factor in community safety, the Department said, the LCSPs will allow a 'broader focus'. Councillor McAdam said that at the Dublin meeting concerns were also raised with the Department officials as to the level of involvement of the Minister for Justice in the new community safety approach, which will be managed by a new community safety office within his department. 'What engagement will the minister have with the community safety office? Is this going to be an arm's length approach for the minister?' McAdam said. Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan said he shared concerns about the new LCSP but added that it's no important for councillors to 'squeeze every ounce of potential out of these new structures'. 'We don't have the luxury to sit back and wish it away. Whether I like it or not they are arriving. The legislation is passed,' Doolan said. The Department of Justice said: 'The objective is to bring the relevant bodies, including the Gardaí, together with communities in a collaborative manner, by focusing on the concerns identified and prioritised by local people, and incorporating these concerns into tailored Local Community Safety Plans with agreed actions to be undertaken by members of the partnerships to enhance community safety in that area.' Additional reporting by Muiris Ó Cearbhaill. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Independent
09-02-2025
- The Independent
Dublin community in shock after three men injured in ‘awful random attack'
A man has been arrested after three people were injured in a suspected knife attack that left a Dublin neighbourhood in 'a state of shock'. Irish police responded to a 'serious incident' after approximately 3pm on Sunday. Three men, aged between their mid-20s and mid-40s, were injured in what was described as an 'awful random attack' across several streets in the Arbour Hill area of Stoneybatter in the Irish capital. There was a large Garda presence in the area and other emergency services attended. Local Fine Gael councillor Ray McAdam said residents were told to lock their doors and stay inside. Mr McAdam said gardai reacted very quickly and 'swarmed the place'. Gardai said a man in his 20s was intercepted and detained close to the scene by an unarmed officer. He was arrested and detained at a Garda station in the north side of Dublin city. Detective gardai and armed support units also responded to the incident. Gardai believe the suspect acted alone and are increasing their visibility in the area to 'reassure the community'. The three men assaulted in the course of the incident were taken to hospital for treatment. Two men had 'serious but not life-threatening' injuries, while the other man's injuries were described as 'less serious'. Following the arrest, a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: 'There is no ongoing risk to the public at this time.' Irish premier Micheal Martin wished those injured in the 'shocking attacks' in Dublin a 'full recovery'. In a statement on X, he said: 'Our thoughts are with the victims of the shocking attacks in Stoneybatter earlier today. 'I want to pay tribute to the Gardai and emergency services for their prompt response. 'I wish all those injured a full recovery and urge anyone with any information to contact Gardai.' Deputy premier Simon Harris said the Stoneybatter community was in his thoughts, particularly 'those who were violently attacked' and their families. He added: 'The full rigours of the law must and will apply.' Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said he was receiving updates from An Garda Siochana about the matter, adding: 'The suspect is now in custody and the victims of this awful random attack are receiving medical attention.' A heightened police presence and a number of crime scene cordons were in place until shortly before 5pm. All traffic restrictions have been lifted. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward. 'Anyone who was in the Stoneybatter area between 2.30pm and 3.30pm, who may have any video footage linked to this incident, is asked to make this footage available to gardai,' a Garda spokesperson said. 'Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bridewell Garda station on (01) 6668200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.' Mr McAdam said community gardai were contacting local residents to assure them they would maintain a presence in the area. He described the neighbourhood as 'active' and 'closely knit'. 'There's a level of shock, a level of concern – but the overriding sense here in Stonybatter is one of hope that those who have been impacted and injured will make a swift recovery,' Mr McAdam said. He added: 'There's a sense of 'how could something like this happen in our neighbourhood?'' But Mr McAdam said locals had been reassured by the quick Garda response. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said it was 'terrible news'. 'My thoughts are with those injured and their families. The community is in a state of shock.' In a statement, she added: 'The gardai and emergency services are to be commended for their response.'
Sky News
09-02-2025
- Sky News
Man arrested and three in hospital after reports of stabbing incident in Dublin
A man has been arrested in Dublin after a "serious incident" that left three people in hospital. Suspected knife attacks took place across several streets in the Arbour Hill of the Stoneybatter area in the Irish capital at around 3pm on Sunday. An Garda Siochana, the Irish police force, said the man - in his late 20s - is currently detained at a station in the north of the city. A spokesperson added: "Three males, whose ages range from mid-20s to mid-40s, who were assaulted in the course of the incident have been taken to hospital for treatment, two males for serious but not life-threatening injuries, one male with less serious injuries. "All three males remain in hospital receiving medical treatment at this time." The force added traffic restrictions had been lifted by around 5pm, and that they "believe the suspect acted alone and are increasing their visibility in the area to reassure the community". Police have also appealed for witnesses and video footage of the incident. Local Fine Gael councillor Ray McAdam said residents were told to lock their doors and stay inside, and added officers reacted very quickly and "swarmed the place". He added: "There's a level of shock, a level of concern - but the overriding sense here in Stoneybatter is one of hope that those who have been impacted and injured will make a swift recovery." Irish premier Micheal Martin later said on social media that "our thoughts are with the victims of the shocking attacks". "I want to pay tribute to the Gardai and emergency services for their prompt response," he added. "I wish all those injured a full recovery and urge anyone with any information to contact Gardai." Jim O'Callaghan, justice minister, added he was receiving updates from An Garda Siochana about "this awful random attack". Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said it was "terrible news" and added: "My thoughts are with those injured and their families. The community is in a state of shock."
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Yahoo
Man arrested after suspected stabbing in Dublin hospitalises 3 people
A man has been arrested after three people were injured in a suspected knife attack that left a Dublin neighbourhood in 'a state of shock'. The suspect was understood to be from a South American country and not an asylum seeker, Irish media reported. Three men were injured in an apparent series of random attacks across several streets in the Stoneybatter area of the Irish capital on Sunday. Emergency services were called to the scene around 3pm. Residents were ordered to lock their doors and stay inside. Two men had 'serious but not life-threatening' injuries, while the other man's injuries were described as 'less serious', Gardaí said. A spokesman said: 'A man has been arrested and is currently detained at a Garda station in the North City under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. 'Three males assaulted in the course of the incident have been taken to hospital for treatment, two males for serious but not life-threatening injuries, one male with less serious injuries. 'A number of scenes are currently being preserved for technical examination in the Stoneybatter area. All traffic restrictions have been lifted. 'Anyone who was in the Stoneybatter area between 2.30pm and 3.30pm, who may have any video footage linked to this incident, is asked to make this footage available to Gardaí'. A heightened police presence and a number of crime scene cordons were in place until shortly before 5pm. Ray McAdam, a Fine Gael councillor, said the alleged knife attack has sent shockwaves through the 'active' and 'closely-knit' community. 'There's a level of shock, a level of concern – but the overriding sense here in Stonybatter is one of hope that those who have been impacted and injured will make a swift recovery,' he said. He added: 'There's a sense of 'how could something like this happen in our neighbourhood?'' Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Fein, described the attack as 'terrible news'. 'My thoughts are with those injured and their families. The community is in a state of shock.' In a statement, she added: 'The Gardaí and emergency services are to be commended for their response.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
