18. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Taoiseach for an update on the implementation of the Dublin city task force report. [24955/26]

Sentiment score: 0.00

I welcome what the Taoiseach said in respect of the Dublin city task force. Us Dubs agree that the city centre certainly requires a lot of TLC. Speaking with many constituents in Dublin Bay North, they have fond memories of travelling into town to go shopping in the Talbot Street area. However, over recent years, they have begun to feel that the area is becoming unwelcoming due to litter, vagrancy, drug-taking and an overall menacing feel to the area. This has a knock-on effect on local businesses and ratepayers where there is reduced footfall. That also reduces passive surveillance in the area. As a northsider, I am very proud of our city, its culture and its history. However, I cannot but agree with the sentiments expressed by many of my constituents. Areas in the north side of the city have seen increased Garda patrols but we need to see much more. We need to see areas like Talbot Street cleaned of litter, antisocial behaviour to be rooted out, and open drug-taking dealt with.

Sentiment score: 0.26