Hundreds take to the streets of Ballaghaderreen in protest over ...
Hundreds of people turned out in Ballaghaderreen this evening, Sunday, in a show of public solidarity to deliver a strong message to the Justice Minister and Garda authorities on Garda numbers in the town.
In the wake of a “serious assault” on Thursday night last/Friday morning a silent candlelight protest took place with upwards on 500 people walking from the car-park at St. Nathy’s Cathedral to the local garda station.
Outside the Garda Station young and old stood shoulder to shoulder united in their call for a better Garda presence on the streets of the town.
Sharon Murphy, Chairperson of Ballaghaderreen Concerned Citizens said that the aim of the protest was to provide comfort to members of the community in a show of strength, but more importantly to show solidarity with the victim of last week’s assault and the victim’s family and friends and all victims of crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.
Ms Murphy called on Minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to start sorting out the mess they had made of garda services, not just in Ballaghaderreen but in towns and villages all over Ireland. “We need a better garda presence, which we all know is a deterrent to many crimes,” she said.
Cllr Micheál Frain reiterated his appeal for more Gardaí to tackle crime/ anti-social behaviour in the town. “This is being led by the people from the town. We're looking for extra gardaí and extra resources. This is all about the need for extra resources,” said Cllr Frain.
In a terse exchange with a member of the public, not from the area, Cllr Frain said that they wanted nothing to do with anyone who was just there to stir up trouble. “We are a tight community, we are united and we will work together,” he said.
Deputy Claire Kerrane praised the people for coming out to the street to deliver the message to the Garda Commissioner on the need for more Gardai on the beat. “We have a great town, great people and great families who have lived in this town for generations. The least we deserve is proper policing.”
Deputy Claire Kerrane, Edith and Tom Forkin pictured in Ballaghaderreen on Sunday evening at a protest against the rise in crime and anti-social behaviour in Ballaghaderreen. Pic. Liam ReynoldsDeputy Kerrane called for a proper policing plan for rural areas and assured the people that it was not a political issue. “This is too important for politics, we will all stand together for the good people of this town,” she said.
Appealing to the people to stand together Sharon Murphy said that was the greatest strength they had.
