*Photograph: Ruth Griffin
EXTRA Gardaí are to be on the beat in Ennis town over the festive period.
An Garda Síochána have confirmed an increased “and highly visible Garda foot presence” will be on duty across Ennis town centre for the Christmas period. This will be in the guise of both foot patrols and mountain bike patrols.
Discussions have taken place between senior staff in the Ennis Municipal District and Gardaí on a policing plan, acting senior engineer Paddy Tiernan confirmed. “The policing plan is targeted to tackle anti-social behaviour, alcohol consumption, illegal parking, professional begging and shop-lifting. A Community Engagement Garda van will also be parked at the Height for most days throughout the Christmas Period. This targeted policing plan commenced on Friday 5th December and will conclude on Christmas Eve”.
In a proposal before this month’s sitting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) appealed for additional Garda personnel to be in the county town for the festive period “to ensure that shoppers, party-goers, tourists, staff, and businesses can fully enjoy the festive spirit this Christmas”.
“It is great to have Gardaí on the beat in Ennis over Christmas,” Cllr Guilfoyle commented. “Having Gardaí on the beat in the town brings it back to where it was,” he added.
Having a Garda van left at The Height “gives a good impression that Gardaí are there and keeping everyone safer and anti-social behaviour at a minimum,” Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) stated.
Clare’s Garda Division needs to be securing more resources, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) insisted. “We have to acknowledge the great work Gardaí are doing, they can only work relative to what they have and they are certainly doing that in their town”. Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said the motion was “timely heading into Christmas time when Gardaí are extra busy”.
Having the foot patrol “is very much appreciated,” Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) noted, “it instils a sense of safety in the town, I have requested a plan for the New Year”.
