Public meeting establishes new Community Alert committee in Offaly

A WELL attended public meeting took place on Friday last in the Crank House, Banagher, to support local residents in establishing a Community Alert group for Banagher town.

The meeting was organised to assist concerned residents who had raised issues regarding a number of recent break-ins in the area and to help create a structure that would allow the community to communicate effectively and work together to improve safety.

Opening the meeting, Councillor Audrey Hennessy-Kennedy welcomed everyone in attendance and thanked the large number of residents who came along to support the initiative. She also expressed her appreciation to those who had contacted her seeking help and support in establishing a Community Alert group for Banagher town.

The councillor paid particular thanks to Frank Kelly, who first reached out regarding the matter. Councillor Hennessy-Kennedy explained that she had met with Frank and a number of local residents two to three weeks earlier, and it was agreed at that meeting that holding a public meeting would be the best way to move forward in establishing a committee and forming a Community Alert group for Banagher.

A number of guest speakers were invited to address the meeting and share their experience and expertise.

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Among those present were Pat McLoughlin from the Drumcullen/Eglish Community Alert group and Rural Representative for the Birr Municipal District; Pat Duggan, Community Alert Development Officer with Muintir na Tíre; and Teresa Maloney from TASK. Teresa provided a demonstration of the panic button and bogus caller alarm systems available to assist residents. She is well known in the Banagher community and has done tremendous work locally over many years.

Also in attendance were Inspector Mick Tarpey and Sergeant Pat O’Connell from Birr Garda Station. Councillor Hennessy-Kennedy welcomed each of the speakers and outlined the important role they play in supporting communities and Community Alert groups.

The councillor also acknowledged the excellent work already being carried out by Community Alert groups in rural areas around Banagher, as well as the various neighbourhood WhatsApp groups that exist within the town. However, she explained that the purpose of the meeting was to ensure that Banagher town itself would have a formal Community Alert structure so that residents could communicate effectively and work together for the benefit of the entire community.

Frank Kelly then addressed the meeting, explaining how a number of local residents had come together to discuss concerns in the area and felt it was important to establish a Community Alert group. Following discussions with Councillor Hennessy-Kennedy and Pat McLoughlin, it was agreed that a public meeting would be the best way to move the process forward.

Pat McLoughlin then facilitated the election of officers for the new committee.

The following officers were elected: Chairman: Frank Kelly; Treasurer: Marion Madden; Secretary: Seanan Kelly.

In addition, between 12 and 14 residents volunteered to serve on the committee.

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The invited speakers then addressed the meeting, outlining the role of Community Alert groups and the supports available to them. Questions were also taken from the floor.

While there was strong positivity and support for the establishment of the new Community Alert group, many residents also voiced concerns regarding recent break-ins in the area.

A letter was also read out on behalf of Deputy Tony McCormack over his concerns in Banagher and went on to state that he had spoken with the new Superintendent about this issue. Inspector Tarpey addressed these concerns and provided practical advice on how residents can better secure their homes and properties.

Questions were also raised regarding the visibility of Gardaí in Banagher town at certain times. Inspector Tarpey acknowledged these concerns and stated that he would raise the matter with the new Superintendent.

Overall, the meeting was seen as a very positive step forward for the community.

Councillor Audrey Hennessy-Kennedy said she was delighted to help facilitate the meeting and wished the newly formed Community Alert committee every success as they begin their work.

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