The Joint Policing Committee for Westmeath is to be launched on Friday February 20, with a workshop for members of the new committee.
The County Westmeath Joint Policing Committee (JPC ) is being established to provide a forum where the local authority and senior Garda officers, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interest groups, can consult, discuss, and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area.
The Garda Siochana Act 2005 provides for the setting up of a joint policing committee in every local authority area.
A particular focus is to be placed on reviewing the levels and patterns of crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour, including the misuse of alcohol and drugs, and the factors underlying and contributing to them.
The Westmeath JPC, which is to meet for the first time on February 20, comprises 26 members. The 14 elected members on the committee are Cllrs John Dolan and Frankie Keena from the Athlone area; Cllrs Frank McDermott and Paddy Hill from the Coole area; Cllrs Gerry Corcoran and Paul Daly from the Kilbeggan area; Cllrs Jim Bourke and Michael Dollard from Mullingar East; and Cllrs Fintan Cooney and Johnny Penrose from Mullingar West.
Cllrs Tom Allen, Dan McCarthy, and Joe Flanagan are also to represent their parties on the committee, while cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Flanagan is an ex officio member.
Two Westmeath County Council officials are also members; county manager Dan McLoughlin in an ex officio capacity, and director of services, community and enterprise, Declan Leonard.
Two members of An Garda Siochana will sit on the committee; they are Chief Superintendent William Ryan and Superintendent John Gantley.
The Community Forum supplies three members; Linda Jo Quinn, Seamus Browne, and Bob Robinson. Oireachtas members Deputies Willie Penrose and Mary O’Rourke and Senator Donie Cassidy will also be on the committee.
