This article is from page 12 of the 2011-06-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
RURAL communities in West Clare are being urged to get involved in their local community alert schemes, which were relaunched yesterday.
Several schemes have been up and running for some time and were reignited at a function at Kilrush Garda Station last night.
Schemes have been in existence in several West Clare areas including Labasheeda, Ballynacally, Kildysart, Cranny, Coolmeen, Kilmihil, Knockerra, Cooraclare, Doonbeg, Carrigaholt and Kilkee and a new scheme has been set up in Killimer.
A chairperson and secretary is elected in each scheme and they liaise with local gardaí. District meetings, involving all of the schemes, take place a few times a year, at which any issues in the various areas can be raised.
Garda Eoin Daly, who is responsible for the schemes in the Kilrush Garda District, is encouraging new people to get involved.
“We are continuing with existing schemes and setting up more schemes in villages.
“We want new members. People in the various parishes run them themselves,” he said.
Gardaí liaise with the representatives of the groups and offer advice on such issues as intruder alarms, smoke alarms and general security advice.
They also urge members of the community to contact garda stations with any issues or concerns that they may have.
“Neighbourhood Watch schemes have been ongoing in Kilrush for the past few years. Community Alerts are more for the rural areas,” said Gda Daly.
“People can talk to their representatives and bring an issue to them and this can be passed on to their local gardaí.
“We urge people to be vigilant, for instance documenting registrations of strange vehicles. We stress the importance of making note of anything suspicious and ring us,” added Gda Daly.
Gardaí are keen that similar schemes are set up in every parish and village and anyone interested in getting involved should contact their local garda or Kilrush Garda Station on 065 9051017.