The issue of assaults in Dublin is a "very serious problem" and needs a garda and Government response, a TD has said.
Deputy Gary Gannon raised the recent violent assault of Ukrainian actor Oleksandr Grekov in the Dail this morning, saying it is "a stark reminder of how dangerous Dublin city centre has become at night."
Mr Grekov, 23, was viciously attacked by a gang on Eden Quay on Saturday night. He had just finished performing a Ukrainian version of the Irish play Translations in the city’s celebrated Abbey Theatre when he was attacked.
"What I suppose those of us who live and work in this city probably couldn't step away from was that, as disgusted and revolted as we were, we weren't surprised," Mr Gannon told the Dail this morning.
Read more: Actor 'bitten and bottle broke over head' after Dublin show
"Violent assaults in Dublin have increased dramatically over the last number of years. Assaults are up 60% in the south garda division and last year were up 90% on serious assaults.
"We have a very serious problem in this city. I love this city, hence why I'm standing here today standing up for it. We need to get in front of this. There is a garda response which of course needs to take place."
The Social Democrats TD said that the "level of dereliction, the lack of street lighting and the vacancies in shops" all contribute to the "unsafe" feeling in Dublin.
"When this city goes dark you're better off taking yourself away from it because it just isn't safe for many people," he said.
Mr Gannon added that he believes there needs to be a "collective response from Government, from our local authorities, our guards and our health agencies".
"We need to get on top of this. Dublin is a beautiful capital city full of all of the glorious things I associate with this city; its vibrancy, its people, its friendliness.
"And then that falls away on particular streets. On O'Connell St, the city centre, in the south division and in Temple Bar at night time, the city becomes unsafe."
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