Gardaí need to be more visible in rural areas to help prevent rural crime, the Deputy President of the IFA has said while an Ennis representative has suggested farmers install a panic alarm to cut down on assaults.

Clarina dairy farmer, Richard Kennedy addressed members of the Clare JPC at their October meeting in Ballyvaughan. The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has over 89,000 members, many of whom have relayed concerns regarding security to the Deputy President of the organisation.

In 2015, the IFA appointed a crime prevention executive who is responsible for providing an advisory service to members, establishing crime prevention initiatives and liaising with state agencies such as An Garda Síochána.

Submissions made by the IFA to bodies including the policing authority, commission on the future of policing, Garda inspectorate and the Oireachtas committee on justice have flagged concerns regarding confronting crime, roads policing, organisational development, capacity improvement, community policing and public safety.

“One of the main concerns that arise within the farming and rural communities revolves around communications between the farming community and An Garda Síochána. In order to build a greater level of trust and confidence, IFA believes members of the farming and rural communities must see a greater Garda Presence,” Kennedy outlined.

Kennedy highlighted that the assault, burglary, theft and trespassing are the most common crimes carried out on Irish farms. “We have seen where Gardaí are proactive on this it can be handled in some areas and it is only in some areas. These guys don’t want to be interviewed by the Gardaí,” he said of personnel guilty of stealing from farmers.

“Our biggest ask is that the presence of local Gardaí in rural areas be more visible,” the Limerick native who himself had his jeep stolen from his farm requested.

Upon hearing of the joint initiatives between the IFA and An Garda Síochána such as crimestoppers, community text alerts and property marking initiatives, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) stated, “There are a lot of criminals assaulting farmers in rural areas. When a group of criminals arrive, the farmer has no chance. Have ye thought of a panic alarm so that the farmer can alert the Gardaí immediately by pushing a button in such a case”. “That is a good idea but fortunately what you’ve said is a rare occurrence,” Kennedy replied.

Related News

peter o'connell madeline taylor quinn patrick keane páraic mcmahon
The Electoral Chair: What will influence West Clare voters / Peninsula penetration of runners
ge2020 count 3 joseph woulfe
Joseph Woulfe phones in to run as Independent candidate in West Clare
dora gola
'A boom like a warning from the deep'
boylesports roslevan 1
Judge jails balaclava covered knife wielding robber
Latest News
dora gola
'A boom like a warning from the deep'
boylesports roslevan 1
Judge jails balaclava covered knife wielding robber
enzo d'auria
The Italian Job: How the movie industry brought Enzo to Ennis
clare v down 24-03-24 ronan lanigan shane annett
Lanigan looks to the bright side as Clare's league campaign ends
Shirley Brohan headshot
Blossoms on the Go garden centre's tip for the final week of March.
Premium
enzo d'auria
The Italian Job: How the movie industry brought Enzo to Ennis
clare v down 24-03-24 ronan lanigan shane annett
Lanigan looks to the bright side as Clare's league campaign ends
martina cleary 1
Sinn Féin announce Clare Pyrite Action Group founder Martina Cleary as Killaloe MD candidate
colette cowan 1
UHL CEO Cowan returns from leave period
helen downes 1
'We'll meet on our terms & not be dictated to by Shannon Chamber' - Shannon Town Cllrs

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Scroll to Top