This article is from page 12 of the 2005-08-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
THE Garda Commissioner, Noel Conroy, has said that Garda resources to combat anti-social behaviour in Kilrush will be kept under review, but in the context of demands countrywide.
According to a letter from the Commissioner’s office to Clare’s Minister for La- bour Affairs, Tony Killeen “the needs of the Kilrush District will be fully con- sidered within the context of the overall needs of the Garda Districts throughout the country.”
Garda numbers in Kilrush have increased by 16.6 per cent in the last seven years. There were 35 members of the force, of all ranks, in GUT ar ote lameatomn one mmoymmed hy compared to 30 in January 1, 1998.
The letter also stated that four superintendents had been allocated to the West Clare district over the past eight years.
He outlined a number of initiatives implemented by the Clare Division over the last year.
“Operation Acid” was initiated to stop incidents of
intimidation and criminal damage in Kilrush in late 2004 and earlier this year.
“Operation Night watch” was implemented in each urban centre throughout the county on weekend nights, to ensure public order and anti-social behaviour was addressed.
“Strict enforcement of Liquor licensing laws and the inspection of licensed premises during opening hours for underage drinking coupled with an increase in foot patrol presence has helped reduce incidents of public disorder,’ he said.