A group of West Waterford councillors have called for the recruitment of additional Gardaí, in a bid to combat anti-social behaviour issues which have become more prevalent in many towns and villages.
Cllr. John Pratt (Labour); Cllr. Declan Doocey (Fine Gael) and the late Cllr. James Tobin (Fianna Fáil) tabled a motion dated June 13th at a recent meeting of the Dungarvan / Lismore District of Waterford City & County Council.
In the motion, the three councillors called upon the local authority to write to the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, to recruit additional Gardaí for the Lismore District. The motion was not discussed at the meeting however, as councillors ran out of time.
'Not exclusive'
Speaking to WLR News, Cllr. Pratt wished to clarify that issues are not exclusive to just Lismore, and that the problems stretch to the likes of Cappoquin, Ballyduff and Tallow also.
“We have got a new sergeant since - but the idea behind this is that there has been an increase in unsocial behaviour in the Lismore District. It’s been in Tallow, Lismore, Cappoquin and Ballyduff. We just want to nip it in the bud at this stage. In fairness to the Gardaí, they are doing the best that they can with what they’ve got available to them.”
Minority
Cllr. Pratt outlined that the councillors have linked in with Superintendent Mick Lacey of Dungarvan Garda Station to discuss issues, and that for many incidents, there are now pending court cases. The Labour Party representative says elderly people have been frightened by isolated incidents.
“The vast majority of people in the area are very welcoming. These isolated incidents though, they do frighten elderly people, and it does make it harder for them to be walking the streets. Sometimes, it could be a gathering of youths that may not necessarily be doing anything - but they may still feel intimidated sometimes. The vast majority of teenagers are honest, good people. During the summer months, they can congregate - but it’s the minority. We just want to make sure that people do know that it is a safe area to come to.”
Drugs and connectivity
Cllr. Pratt stressed that the issue is not exclusive to people of any particular age or background. He conceded that while it isn’t out of hand by any means - drug issues in the locality have gotten worse.
“The drug problem has gotten worse in the area. I wouldn’t like to be sending out a message that it’s gotten out of control. It has in all places. It’s not just an issue here. Communities are all having to deal with it. We believe that by increasing the Garda presence and if at all possible, the Garda numbers, that that might help alleviate some of the problems that we’re having.”
With improved transport links between parts of West Waterford and connecting towns such as Dungarvan, Youghal etc. - there is a sense of inevitability that as smaller towns and villages grow and become more easily accessible, that social issues can begin to rear their head.
“We have very good services bringing people to and from the locality and it has been a great offering - but sometimes, it does need monitoring. I don’t want to say too much more on that but overall, we have great services for elderly and those who don’t have their own transport. It’s important to point out that this is not a class issue. It comes from all types of classes - top, middle and bottom. This comes from young and old. We just want to prevent this getting to a stage where we can’t stop it. The Gardaí are doing a great job but they need help.”
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