A report is to be prepared on the establishment of a joint policing committee for Athlone, following a request by Cllr Paul Hogan at last week’s meeting of Athlone Town Council.
Cllr Hogan requested that the committee be established with the purpose of “addressing the problem of crime and indeed the problems that may be contributing to crime in our community”. It should consist of elected representatives, members of An Garda Siochana, council officials, and representatives of community interests.
“Twenty-nine Joint Policing Committees have been rolled out throughout the State already, and this is anticipated to increase to 114. It is important that Athlone establishes a committee and gets recognition from the Minister to address issues such as the recent attacks, drug problems, and the social issues contributing to them,” said Cllr Hogan.
The Sinn Fein councillor said it is the obligation of the council to provide the committee, and that the initiative should involve all interested parties in the community. “I believe community empowerment is the way forward to tackle crime,” he added.
The councillor’s calls were supported by Fianna Fail’s Cllr Kieran Molloy. A report is to be presented to councillors at the next monthly meeting of Athlone Town Council.
The Garda Siochana Act 2005 provides for the setting up of a joint policing committee in every local authority area. The purpose of the committees is to provide a forum where a local authority and senior Garda officers, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interests, can consult, discuss, and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area.
A particular focus is to be placed on reviewing the levels and patterns of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour, including the misuse of alcohol and drugs, and the factors underlying and contributing to them.
