A public meeting was held in the Charleville Park Hotel last Monday afternoon to address local concerns about policing in the town, and a sizeable crowd attended, comprising a mix from business, farming, religious and ordinary residents. The meeting was arranged by local Cllr. Ian Doyle and Michael Moynihan T.D., The invited guest speaker was Supt. Gary McPolin, who was accompanied by local Gardaí, Sergeant Deirdre Tuohy and Garda John O’Halloran.
Superintendent McPolin addressed the group and explained the workings of the Gardaí and his own concerns about recent events in Charleville, and he in turn was told about the alarm of local people about what was happening in Charleville and surrounding communities. The Superintendent was told that there was a fear about reporting crimes because of alleged revenge and retaliation from those committing the crimes. It was also claimed that law-abiding citizens are being intimidated and made feel vulnerable by those involved in crime, and disappointment was expressed that “we are not listened to by those elected to represent us in government”. No one at any stage spoke ill of local Gardaí, and it was said that “they work hard, facing difficult situations and mountains of paperwork daily while attending to our phone calls and distress”.
There were many examples of incidents shared by victims, such as a person struck in the head by a child while the child’s father stood on and watched, while another story related was of a person whose home was invaded by youths who robbed the family of possessions and car while they were sleeping. “The brave person telling this story is still struggling to deal with the effects of the family’s ordeal on a daily basis,” the meeting was told.
The meeting was also told of a local person who, when walking on the Main Street, has been has been spat at, tripped up, blocked, and forced off the footpath, “all by groups of unruly thugs who think they are above the law”. Business people are tired of abuse, robberies, and personal attacks, it was added.
The Garda officers present were told that, “respect and responsibility has disappeared from society, and this ridiculous sense of entitlement without having to work or pay for what we need is in abundance. We all know crime is everywhere, but because it is widespread does not mean it is acceptable.
“It is never acceptable when people are afraid in their own homes and workplaces. No one has a right to steal another person’s peace of mind. There must be consequences for those who break the law, for those who think they are above the law.”
Supt. McPolin advised that communities must come together and be strong together. “Not in any vigilante way, I hasten to add, or indeed in any way outside of the law,” he said. He encouraged the community to share knowledge of what it knows or experience with local Gardaí. It is by working together that the community can make a difference.
CCTV for the streets of the town was discussed, and both Deputy Moynihan and Cllr. Doyle will follow this up with the relevant authorities.
Another meeting will be held in a couple of months, in the evening time to accommodate those working who wish to attend. One person who did not wish to be named said that the meeting left them with mixed feelings; shocked that so many in the town and surrounding areas are victims of crime and have suffered appallingly; confident that the elected officials know clear communication is utmost with the community they serve; and hope that, now the issue is well out in the open between the community and those who serve them, it will bring results and positive action to keep those of us who live by the law safe, while see those who do not will be brought to justice.