A North Dublin housing estate, which had been mooted for redevelopment, has experienced an upsurge crime and anti-social behaviour.

This week Gardai were called to a serious disturbance at O'Devaney Gardens, prompting local representative to hold an urgent meeting with police.

Three people were arrest in the estate, which had been earmarked for massive regeneration in a joint project involving the Government and developer Bernard McNamara.

However, the plan collapsed last month when Mr McNamara announced he was pulling out of the scheme.

Dublin's Lord Mayor is due to meet senior Gardaí and City Council officials to discuss ways of tackling the rising level of crime and anti-social behaviour in the city.

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Gardaí said a group of youths, who tried to intervene when the three were arrested, threw bottles at garda vehicles.

The three, a 30-year-old woman and two men, aged 24 and 31, are due in court next month on public order charges.

Councillor Eibhlin Byrne says the authorities must work with local communities to wipe out crime.

The trouble, believed to have involved up to 70 people, is thought to have broken out following a local funeral.

Ms Byrne will meet Assistant Garda Commissioner Al McHugh to discuss the worsening antisocial behaviour in the area.

"We have to get the message out loud and clear that we are not going to let these thugs take over the city because that's exactly what they're trying to do," the Lord Mayor said.

"You're talking about serious antisocial behaviour to the extent that women can't go to bed at night and are absolutely terrified,"

Ms Byrne added. "In some cases, they're warning residents that they''l be down to get them later. As far as I'm concerned, no civic society can accept that."

(BMcC)(PR)