Agenda and minutes

Mr Kieran Brett, Meetings Administrator confirmed there was no correspondence.

Mr Kieran Brett, Meetings Administrator gave an overview on the progress report of the Joint Policing Committee Strategic Plan 2021-2026 as set out in Appendix 1 to the minutes of this meeting.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Sean McDermott

             SECONDED by Councillor Justin Warnock

It was AGREED the progress report of the Joint Policing Committee Strategic Plan 2021-2026 was approved and noted.

Mr Kieran Brett, Meetings Administrator, gave an overview of the Annual Report which outlined the activities of the Joint Policing Committee in 2021 as set out in Appendix 2 to the minutes of this meeting. 

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

            SECONDED by Councillor Mary Bohan

It was AGREED this Annual Report be circulated to the Members and noted at 7^th March 2022 Council meeting.

The reports were noted by the Members.

Mr Kieran Brett provided an over-view of the Joint Policing Committee Draft Work Programme for 2022 as set out in Appendix 3 to the minutes of this meeting.

 On the Proposal of Janice Raine Conick

             Seconded by Cllr Sean McDermott

It was AGREED to adopt the Joint Policing Committee Work Programme for 2022

Superintendent Grogan said the LA 16 Collision report and evaluation procedure form is completed by An Garda Siochána when a fatality has occurred or that are likely to become fatal following a road traffic accident. No suchincidents haveoccurred year-to-datein Leitrim.

In light of the many assaults and fatalities committed by men against women in the Republic of Ireland in recent times, can I ask what are the figures for such crimes in the Sligo/Leitrim Garda District?

In light of the many assaults and fatalities committed by men against women in the Republic of Ireland in recent times, can I ask what are the figures for such crimes in the Sligo/Leitrim Garda District?

Councillor Sean McDermott said our culture must change and this type of crime is a huge issue in society.  Councillor McDermott highlighted the many incidents which recently appeared in newspapers concerning violence towards women.  He noted over the last 20 to 25 years 240 fatalities that have occurred in Ireland through violence against women and he stressed that women should be respected. Councillor Sean McDermott said he is embarrassed as a man to hear of the violence towards women by men in today’s society.

Chief Superintendent Glacken said he does not have the specific figures and he will revert back with the specific figures at the next meeting of the Joint Policing Committee.

Janice Raine-Conick said it is easy for this committee to raise this issue when it is a hot issue in the news. She asked what can be done positively to raise awareness through the Joint Policing Committee on this issue and she said this should be included as a priority on the Joint Policing Strategic Plan.

Councillor Sean McDermott said some women have conveyed to him that they are very fearful of walking on walkways/greenways, and he acknowledged that this is a sad reflection.

Councillor Enda Stenson said Leitrim GAA have organised walks throughout the month of January and thousands have participated in these walks and not one incident has occurred and 70% of the walkers are women.  Councillor Enda Stenson said the walkways through Leitrim are very safe and the recent incident in Tullamore is scandalous.

Janice Raine-Conick concurred with Councillor Enda Stenson that it is very safe to walk in Leitrim.

Superintendent Grogan said there has been a presence of An Garda Siochána on our walkways and waterways in Leitrim to ensure all persons are safe. With the help of the public and the Joint Policing Committee, An Garda Siochana will continue to ensure that people are safe and that they can utilise these walkways/greenways.

Chief Superintendent Glacken said the matter in Tullamore is before the Courts and he asked everyone to be cautious in this regard. Chief Superintendent Glacken said there are much broader issues involved i.e., attitude issues, language, simple behaviour and the way we refer to people in our daily lives and all this has a ripple effect on all people particularly the young people. It is about treating people with dignity and respect.

Councillor Justin Warnock supported Councillor Enda Stenson and he said this was an isolated incident in Tullamore and Leitrim is a very safe place.

Can this JPC write to the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD to instigate a media campaign to highlight the stark reality of drug abuse in every community in this country?

Can this JPC write to the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD to instigate a media campaign to highlight the stark reality of drug abuse in every community in this country?

Councillor Justin Warnock referred to a recent incident where a person found in possession of €300,000 worth of drugs, and he said that are a lot of drugs in a rural area.  Councillor Warnock said where there is supply there will be demand and he said he would be hopeful that an awareness campaign could be instigated from the Joint Policing Committee an in this regard that we contact the Minister on the issue.

Councillor Warnock said he is aware of occasions where drug debts have been settled by the affected persons family.  Councillor Warnock stressed any child can get involved in drugs nowadays and the issue needs to be addressed.

On the PROPOSAl of Councillor Just Warnock

              SECONDED by Councillor Sean McDermott

It was AGREED that the Leitrim Joint Policing Committee write to the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD to instigate a media campaign to highlight the stark reality of drug abuse in every community in this country.

What can be done to make the local Gardaí known to, and an integral part of, our community, because unfortunately today most people in our community don't know who they are?

What can be done to make the local Gardaí known to, and an integral part of, our community, because unfortunately today most people in our community don't know who they are?

Councillor Justin Warnock said there is less and less interaction with the local community and An Garda Siochana.  Councillor Warnock said there should be a better presence in Kinlough by An Garda Siochana. Councillor Warnock said in many instances the local garda is not known to the community and he would like to see community policing enhanced in all communities.

Councillor Enda McGloin concurred with Cllr Warnock and said if there was more interaction between the An Garda Siochana and the community, the community as a whole would be better served.

Councillor Sean McDermott agreed with the comments of Cllr Warnock.

Superintendent Grogan said the whole of the society dynamic has changed and he said he is satisfied that his Officers know what is going on in communities.  Superintendent Grogan said the Community Policing Unit do engage with the community and have excellent knowledge of what is happening in communities. The Gardai also depend on the local community to give them feedback on what is happening in the community. Officers are instructed to be as visible as possible at community events 

Councillor Enda McGloin paid tribute to Sergeant Orla McGrath and the Community Policing Unit for their recent interaction with children through school visits in Drumshanbo.

Councillor Justin Warnock acknowledged that there is a detachment there and he is hopeful that something can be worked on to address this.