McEntee promises 'tough response' after US tourist attacked
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The Justice Minister has promised a “tough and firm response” after an American tourist was hospitalised after being punched and kicked in the head during an assault in Dublin city centre.
Helen McEntee described the attack as "thuggery" and appealed for witnesses to contact the gardaí.
The incident happened when the man, who is in his 50s, was walking on Talbot Street close to Store Street Garda Station at around 10:40pm on Wednesday night.
It is understood he interacted with a number of people who punched and kicked him in the head, knocking him to the ground.
He was taken to Beaumont hospital where is condition is described as serious but stable.
Helen McEntee said: "There can be no excuse for such violence and intimidation and I fully understand the concerns of the local community.
“I have received updates from An Garda Síochána. A full investigation is underway.
“A tough and firm response will send out the message that we will not tolerate this thuggery on our streets. I urge any witnesses to last night’s assault to contact An Garda Síochána at Store Street or on the Garda confidential line," said the minister.
“People must have confidence they can safely walk the streets of our capital. I am in regular contact with Commissioner Harris on the issue of Garda visibility”.
She said the newly opened station on O’Connell street resulted in 420 proactive “foot and bike patrols mounted from the station”.
However, former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring, said the incident was "disturbing" and "The fact that it took place within yards of the busiest garda station in the country, makes it even more disturbing."
Mr Ring called on Ms McEntee to "come into the north inner city", saying that the area needs gardaí on the beat to police it properly.
He told RTÉ "We need Store Street Garda Station, fully resourced. They are stretched to the limit. They're doing the best they can, but slowly but surely that part of town is becoming a no-go area.
"And as a Dubliner who goes into town and out of town all the time, I just think this is really frightening for people to hear attacks like this.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Pa Daly, also condemned the attack.
“Unfortunately, these kind of attacks are becoming increasingly common in our capital city, and people and communities are at the end of their tether."
A garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information in relation to this incident or who may have video footage to contact Store Street Garda Station on 01 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
The attack happened just three weeks after a Ukrainian actor was attacked after acting in a play in the Abbey Theatre.