Public meeting on Offaly crime

A public meeting looking at cuts to community Garda resources, the closure of local garda stations and the increase in burglaries and crime in Offaly has been arranged for tomorrow night (Wednesday).

The Fianna Fail arranged meeting will take place in the County Arms Hotel in Birr from 8pm. It will be addressed by the party’s Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins and chaired by Barry Cowen.

Tomorrow’s meeting is part of Fianna Fail’s nationwide tour opposing what it describes as the 'complete dismantling of community-focussed policing'. The aim of meetings, they say, is to give communities a chance to have their voices heard as well as getting advice on home security and personal safety. Speaking ahead of the meeting Deputy Cowen said there’s a lot of concern across Offaly about the 'slash and burn' of local Garda resources.

'People cannot understand how the government can justify shutting down so many community garda stations when they themselves admit it won’t save any money,' he said. 'The only savings will be from light and heat of the building. The Justice Minister Alan Shatter has himself said that this is not a financial policy. It is purely a political decision. Minister Shatter wants to take An Garda Síochána in a particular direction, we believe it is the wrong direction. He is dismantling our garda force that took generations to build and unfortunately communities will suffer as a result.' Deputy Cowen also criticised how the Garda Representative Association has been treated in public pay deal negotiations.

Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins added that anyone who has opinions or questions about this issue is welcome to attend.

'I know from talking to people across the country over the past number of weeks and months just how concerned many families and individuals are about home safety and the removal of local garda resources,' he said. 'They know that our local gardaí are under more pressure than ever, and that they regularly go above and beyond the call of duty for our communities. The aim of this meeting is to give people a chance to have their voices heard on this issue. There will also be an opportunity to get advice on keeping your home and business secure and enhancing personal safety. We will ensure that everyone is given a chance to participate in the discussion.'