Public Meeting To Be Held Over Growing Rates Of Crime

Fianna Fáil is to host a public meeting over concerns about burglaries, theft and anti-social behaviour in Ireland.

The meeting is to be held in Kilkenny on Wednesday 15th April.

Fianna Fáil bye-election candidate for Carlow-Kilkenny Bobby Aylward will host the public meeting.

Mr Aylward commented: "One thing that people are consistently raising with me when I talk to them on the doors is the concerns that they have about growing rates of crime. People are worried about the increasing threats to the safety of their home, their business and their overall community.

"The local Gardai are being severely hampered due to a slash and burn of their resources. They are trying their best to fulfil their duties. However Government cutbacks have meant they are hamstrung in their ability to prevent and investigate crime.

"The Government says it is serious about tackling crime in our communities. However judging by its actions it is clear that this is not the case. Communities such as Ballyragget, Johnstown and Inistioge have had their Garda stations closed down while other parts of Kilkenny have seen a reduction in Garda manpower at a time when crime levels are rising.

"I have organised a public meeting on crime to allow people to bring forward their concerns and to ensure that steps are taken to address the problem. I am particularly interested in hearing from Neighbourhood Watch groups and other community organisations."

(CD/MH)