Policing meetings 'needed' in each Mayo district amid community 'fear'
The newly-elected Cathaoirleach of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District has said every municipal district should have its own Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting,
JPCs are forums held between high-ranking members of An Garda Síochána, local authority officials, elected representatives and the community and voluntary sectors to discuss matters of crime and policing.
Speaking at last week's annual general meeting of the Claremorris-Swinford MD, Cllr Damien Ryan said the success of past JPCs is proof that they are one of the forums Mayo County Council should be seeking to maintain into the future.
“The JPCs were one of our most effective bodies and forums. We need JPCs in each municipal district and to work with our respective Garda Superintendents in our geographic areas, irrespective of national policy,” he said, adding that this would be a priority for him in his 12 months as Cathaoirleach.
Newly-elected Aontú councillor Paul Lawless said it was very clear during the canvass for the recent local elections that there are rising levels of "fear" in communities.
“There is fear in our communities and that is a huge sea change from the last canvass. So many people were afraid to answer their doors and I could see an increase in the number of door alarms," he said.
