Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins has called for a dedicated garda unit to tackle a dramatic spike in gun crime in west Dublin.

It comes as gardaí investigate three separate gun attacks in West Dublin in as many days. A man in his 40s was shot dead in Lucan last night, a woman in her 60s was killed and her daughter seriously injured in a shooting in Tallaght yesterday, and two men were injured in a gun attack in Ballyfermot on Thursday night.

“This is a shocking escalation of gun crime in west Dublin. It’s clear that immediate intervention is needed before more lives are lost,” said Deputy Collins.

“Unfortunately these shootings are just the latest in a series of gun attacks in west Dublin in recent months. While local gardaí are going above and beyond the call of duty every day to keep these residential areas safe, the reality is that the violence is escalating and they need more resources to tackle it.

“I am calling on the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter and the Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan to immediately examine what additional resources can be directed towards addressing this worrying spike in violent attacks in west Dublin. As well as a greater garda presence on the streets, I believe we need a dedicated garda unit to oversee the investigation and prevention of gun crime in this area

“These shootings are happening in busy, densely populated, well-established residential communities. It’s causing enormous anxiety to local residents, particularly older people living alone and families with young children. The Minister needs to take an interest in what is happening here and contact the Garda Commissioner immediately to plan an appropriate response.”