Gardaí have made another arrest in connection with a recent stabbing in Dublin. A man in his 20's was detained this morning and is being questioned about the attack in which a man died in the city centre on February 15th.
Meanwhile a plan to tackle violence in Dublin includes adding permanent knife surrender bins to community centres and high-risk areas in the wake of a number of recent knife attacks in the capital including in Stoneybatter and South Anne Street according to the Social Democrats
The Tackling Violence in Dublin City plan calls for an increased garda presence at “high-risk locations”, including public transport hubs and nightlife districts.
Gary Gannon, who is the party’s justice spokesperson, called on the Government to introduce a “violence reduction plan” after serious knife attacks in recent weeks, including the killing of Quham Babatunde on South Anne Street.
As part of the party’s plan, knife surrender bins would also be introduced in garda stations and a targeted outreach campaign would be launched to encourage young people to dispose of weapons safely.
In its plan, the party outlines that the current sentence for carrying knives with intent to injure has already been increased and says there needs to be “an evidence-led sentencing framework” that delivers “sentences that prevent and reduce crime”.
Proposals for early intervention would see restorative justice and conflict resolution training integrated into schools, as well as incorporating social skills training for young people into schools and youth work programmes.
The Social Democrats plan says stop-and-search powers must be used “fairly” with independent oversight, data collection and monitoring “to prevent and respond to racial profiling”. Mr Gannon said the Justice Minister must do more than respond to incidents of violence as they happen.
As part of its proposal, the Social Democrats called for an immediate investment of €8m in measures to combat rising levels of violence. “Following a spate of recent high-profile incidents, it is clear that a renewed approach is required if we are to create a safer Dublin,” Mr Gannon said.
“Our proposed strategy ensures a comprehensive and balanced response to knife crime and violence in our capital city, combining immediate interventions, long-term prevention, community-led solutions and fair enforcement.”
