Laois Gardai urged to 'reanimate' community alert groups in Laois

Laois Offaly’s new Garda Chief Superintendent was asked to help ‘reanimate’ local community alert groups. 

Muintir Na Tire’s Conor O’Leary asked that engagement take place with the  Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch groups in the area. He said it was particularly important at this time of year. 

“There has been a very strong tradition over the years of a very vibrant community alert groups in Laois,” said Mr O’Leary. 

He explained that Covid has had a negative impact on groups but he said they had organised an autumn initiative in October.

“I think at this point it would be really beneficial if the gardai would reach out to all the community alert groups in the district as a way of reanimating them,” he said. 

Chief Supt Tony Lonergan said it was something garda had looked at. “We have a plan around engagement and I was always focused on stakeholder approaches,” he said.

He assured Mr O’Leary that gardai would be reaching out but said realistically it mightn’t occur until the new year. 

“We will be looking at groups that may have stalled during Covid,” he explained. 

Chief Supt Lonergan said Garda Inspector Joe Culliton will be reaching out to groups.  

The issue was discussed at the latest Joint Policing Committee meeting.