This article is from page 13 of the 2013-01-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
THE world of prostitution and exploitation was brought home to Ennis in February when it was revealed that the county capital of Clare had a key role in a vice ring being operated at locations around the country that involves non-nationals.
The fact that there are now working brothels in Clare was exposed in a Prime Time Special – the brothel specifically identified in the RTE programme prompted Gardai to reveal that a criminal case was immi- nent against those involved.
Clare viewers of the Prime Time Special were shocked to see footage of three young women being ferried into and out of the brothel in Clare, which was located just off the Mill Road in Ennis, less than 500 yards away from the office of The Clare People .
According to a garda spokesperson, the brothel had been under investigation at the time of the Prime Time Special, was closed down shortly after the footage was recorded and criminal prosecutions are likely in regard to activity in the building. Garda sources told The Clare People that brothel start-ups like this are not uncommon in Clare but they usually close as quickly as they open. “What happens is that girls will advertise online for a few days to gauge if there is a demand for their services. They will then arrive in Clare, set themselves up in an apartment or hotel room and see clients. “Of course, before long they will come to our attention or that of a member of the public. “When this happens, they will move on straight away,” our source said.
Internet advertising and mobile phone technology means that brothels can be set up and dismantled in a matter of hours and garda sources in Clare have identified these operations in a number of Clare towns.
“We are working all the time with the National Bureau of Criminal Investigations,” a garda spokesman told us.
“This means that very often we are aware almost immediately if these persons enter Clare, but sometimes they are here for a couple of days before we are alerted and can act.”