Retailer in Offaly threatened with a screwdriver and hatchet in terrifying incident

THERE are big law and order problems in Offaly which have to  be quickly addressed, said a Councillor during a recent local authority meeting.

Cllr Tony McCormack put a Motion to Offaly County Council during their October meeting, requesting the executive to write to the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee “and invite her to our chamber to discuss the anti-social behavior, violence, theft and overall law and order in our area and in every town and village in the country.”

The Councillor pointed out that the problems of drug use and anti-social behaviour are acute in many parts of Offaly. He said the morale of the Gardaí has “never been as low as it is now. There are also not enough Gardaí.

“Local retailers are often telling us Councillors about the problems of theft from their shops and of being threatened by criminals when their produce is being robbed. One local retailer recently told me he was threatened with a screwdriver and hatchet.  He didn't report the incident. We have a court system which seems to be a revolving door for criminals. Do-gooders say prison is not the answer. However, we first and foremost have to adequately protect our citizens, and if that means prison sentences, then so be it. We need swift and resolute action to tackle these law and order issues."

Cllr Declan Harvey seconded his colleague's motion.

“We have a problem with  gangs of youths in Tullamore who are intimidating locals and who are also rampaging through Lloyd Park.”

The councillor said several concerned locals,  including a number of retailers,  have talked to him about the issue of ASB in  general.

“It's a serious issue in Tullamore,” he remarked, “and it needs to be dealt with; and dealt with fairly and quickly. It is bad press for the town which we certainly don't need.”

Cllr Neil Feighery pointed out that in some ways society is changing for the worse, which is leading to a rise in anti-social behaviour throughout Offaly.

“It's a small number of young adults and teenagers who are causing much of the problem. Some of them are arrogant and deeply unpleasant. I witnessed this kind of behaviour myself recently when I was dining in a local restaurant. The vibe that these brazen young people give off is that they are untouchable.”

Cllr John Carroll said there is a problem, but it's a small minority who are offending, and it's important not to become overly negative or over-react.

“In general, our towns are still very safe places; and the headlines in the papers don't match the reality on the ground. It is a Garda enforcement issue and I am confident the Gardaí are doing their best and will continue to do their best.”

Cllr John Clendennen said he supported the sentiments being expressed by the Councillors but he didn't think it worth “bringing the Minister down just for a photo and a chat which probably won't tackle the issue.”

Cllr Mark Hackett commented that Offaly has a low crime rate and it's a small element which is being problematic. He said the Guards are doing an excellent job.

“We should let them do their job. There is no need for a ministerial visit.”

Cllr McCormack replied that some of the councillors were being naive.

“We have a serious issue here in Tullamore,” he remarked, “and trying to brush it under the carpet is not the correct approach. Ministers are surrounded in Dublin by spin doctors and I think they should visit the regions more often, and make an  effort to tackle what's really going on."

Cllr Sandra Feehan Smollen said she supported Cllr McCormack's motion

“100%. It's spot on. We need to nip this in the bud before it gets any worse. The problem in Lloyd Park was bad. We got a lot of complaints about it.”

Cllr Quinn commented that he didn't think Cllr McCormack's comments about ministers was fair.

“Ministers such as Helen McEntee have good bona fides.”