I wish to raise the issue of community safety in Kildare South. My constituents have reported serious concerns in both Kildare town and Newbridge, including violent incidents involving teenagers in public spaces as well as persistent antisocial behaviour, such as vandalism, intimidation and retail crime. While I welcome recent increased Garda presence on the back of public outcry, the visibility of gardaí is not yet sufficient and policing alone will not resolve these issues. It is important to acknowledge the lack of dedicated facilities and services for young people in these growing towns. Community infrastructure has not kept up with our growing population in Kildare. We cannot be surprised by these problems when young people are left without adequate supports or positive outlets. We need a plan for Kildare town and Newbridge for residents to feel safe in their communities again. Will the Taoiseach commit to a co-ordinated plan based on community consultation that combines effective policing with youth diversion and community services in rapidly growing towns like Newbridge and Cill Dara?

Both towns are rapidly growing and we do, at all levels and in a co-ordinated way, have to deal with antisocial behaviour. A lot of investment has gone into sporting organisations. A lot of investment is going into community-based organisations with a view to providing alternative activities, services and opportunities for people and young people, in particular. Then, along with that, we are getting increased throughput in Templemore, so we need more gardaí on the streets and we need greater visibility of gardaí on the streets. That is occurring but maybe not yet at the levels required in Newbridge and Kildare town. Hopefully, with the increased numbers coming through and out of Templemore, we will be in a position to increase the number of gardaí in the locations the Deputy has identified.