Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, and Bray Sinn Féin Councillor, John Ward, met this week with the new Bray District Garda Superintendent, Superintendent King, to raise key issues affecting the local community and to emphasise the urgent need for more Gardaí on our streets.
Following the meeting, Teachta Brady said:
“It was good to meet with the new Bray District Superintendent, Superintendent King, alongside my colleague, Councillor John Ward, for a very constructive and positive discussion on the issues affecting our community.
“A key focus of our meeting was the urgent need for more Gardaí on our streets, with increased visible policing and more Gardaí on the beat across all areas of the Bray District.
“This is particularly needed in locations where drugs are being openly sold. Communities need to see a stronger Garda presence, and they deserve to feel safe in their local area.
“We covered a wide range of other important topics, including the ongoing problems of scramblers and high-powered e-bikes, anti-social behaviour, criminality, shoplifting, and the rapid increase in the number of vape shops.
“We also raised concerns around the sale of vapes to young people and illegal vape products, particularly following previous seizures of vapes found to contain illegal substances.
“I look forward to working with Superintendent King and An Garda Síochána to tackle these issues and many more, ensuring that Bray and the wider Wicklow area remain safe places for everyone who lives, works and visits here.”
Councillor Ward added:
“It was a very productive meeting, where we had the chance to raise the concerns that residents across Bray have been bringing to us.
“One issue that I have received a significant amount of feedback on from local people is aggressive begging and the anti-social behaviour associated with drug use. We discussed these concerns with Superintendent King, who assured us that they will be taken very seriously.
“We also discussed the spike in anti-social behaviour linked to the misuse of electric scooters and e-bikes, which is making people feel unsafe in their community.
“These are issues that are having a real impact on communities and need to be addressed.
“I would also encourage people to continue reporting incidents to An Garda Síochána. Some people feel there is no point in contacting the Gardaí because nothing gets done, but the reality is that the more reports that are made about an issue, the more likely it is to receive the attention and resources needed.
“I look forward to working with Superintendent King and continuing to bring the concerns of local people to her attention.”
ENDS