Teen loses three fingers in barbaric attack in Dublin Mid-West – Gilligan

Clondalkin Fianna Fáil Councillor Trevor Gilligan has condemned an attack in Bawnogue over the weekend in which a teenager had three fingers cut off by a criminal gang.

Gardaí are said to be investigating the incident after the boy, who was allegedly involved in burglaries and break-ins, was attacked for working in an area under supposedly under the control of a criminal gang.

Councillor Gilligan said: “This is a disgraceful and barbaric attack, the worst I’ve come across since becoming a Councillor for the area ten years ago.  The fact that a criminal gang would cut off a teen’s fingers because he was apparently ‘working on their turf’ is appalling.  As I understand it this gang took the view the teenager should have been paying them a percentage or fee out of any profits made from burglaries he was allegedly involved in.

“This whole incident highlights the need for more garda resources and in particular more resources working on targeting gangs operating in Dublin.  It’s clear that the gangs operating in communities like Clondalkin and Lucan feel they rule the streets and can act with impunity.  Just last weekend we saw a six year old boy shot in a botched gangland-style hit in Ballyfermot.  Gardaí need to reassert control over these communities.

“These attacks are happening in busy, densely populated, well-established residential communities.  This criminal activity causes enormous anxiety to local residents, particularly older people living alone and families with young children.  We need leadership from the Government and recognition that what is happening here requires immediate contact between the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner to plan an appropriate response.”