Writes Ciaran Dineen
Updated 16:17 – 09/04/19
On Monday 8th April, it was confirmed that Carrigaline and the wider area is set to receive a boost in Garda resources, following a bout of worrying incidents that have occurred.
Chief Superintendent Barry McPolin, informed members of the Cork City Joint Policing Committee on Monday that an additional two sergeants and 22 Gardaí are being appointed to the Community Policing Unit, to bring its numbers to four sergeants and 40 Gardaí, across four divisions, Mayfield Gurranabraher, Anglesea St and Togher (which includes Carrigaline).
He also confirmed that there is a plan to get the Carrigaline Garda station open for office hours, a change that is expected within two weeks.
It is unclear how many extra permanent Gardaí, if any, are to be allocated to Carrigaline.
Following a series of reports on assaults in the area last week, further concerns had also been raised when it was reported early on Wednesday 3rd April that the defibrillator unit outside the new Janeville estate had been severely damaged.
Images showed that the bottom half of the door had been completely ripped apart and the glass panes on the front were smashed. Thankfully the defibrillator itself was unharmed and remains in full working order, but this is of little consolation.
Just two days prior to this, ‘Carrigaline Community First Responders’ had shared a video online, highlighting the importance of knowing how to use a defibrillator. This was received very well on social media, with local sport stars Nicholas Murphy, Shane Griffin and Bríd Stack all taking part in a promotional video. The community was as a result shocked, saddened and angered by the damage done to the unit.
An outpouring of frustration was vented online, and a petition was setup by local woman, Ciara Carroll, calling on Garda resources to be increased in Carrigaline. Requests were made in particular for a greater police presence to be established in the town.
The online petition attracted a lot of support, and continued to do so when it was reported that a number of vehicles in Wheatfields and Wrenville estates had been targeted during the early hours of Thursday 4th April. Car windows were smashed and the contents inside were stolen by thugs, who seem to be growing in confidence and holding little fear for any potential repercussions.
In a statement responding to the recent break-ins a spokesperson from the Garda Press Office told The Carrigdhoun, “Gardaí are investigating thefts from 6 vehicles in the Carrigaline area that occurred overnight between 3/4/19 and 4/4/19. No arrests have been made at this stage.
Investigations are ongoing.” Councillor Seamus McGrath (FF) was also made aware of the car break-ins and spoke last week about restarting police forum meetings. “I am continuing to follow up with Carrigaline Gardai about arranging the Public Garda meeting. I think it’s very important to have engagement with the community at this time given the recent incidents. Gardai have informed me that a meeting will be organised and I’ll confirm the date as soon as possible.”
Further to the point raised by Cllr McGrath, it was announced by Sinn Féin TD, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire on Monday morning that a public meeting in relation to policing will be held in the Carrigaline Court Hotel on Monday April 15th. Accompanying Ó Laoghaire will be Carrigaline LEA candidate, Michael ‘Frick’ Murphy and MEP, Liadh Ní Riada.
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