Forum to tackle Rochestown crime

Residents in the Rochestown area will establish a community policing forum in an effort to combat rising levels of anti-social behaviour.

The decision came during a second meeting of residents following growing concerns over a lack of garda presence in Rochestown, Mount Oval and surrounding areas.

Attending the meeting was local Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy who highlighted the need for a community garda in the area and the success of community policing forums across the city.

“It was a very positive meeting and the great turnout shows the dedication and unity of the local people.

“The meeting was a call to have a community garda in the area and for the gardaí to provide information on what's happening every two to three months,” said Cllr McCarthy.

He added: “You're looking at a place that’s two and a half times the size of Skibbereen or Bandon with upwards of 6,000 people living there.

“I was looking for a dedicated community guard for Rochestown and two community guards for Donnybrook, Douglas and the wider area, but they just don't have the manpower to provide that at the moment.”

Cllr McCarthy said that he expects the policing forum to be established “as soon as possible” and for the first meeting to be held in early November.

He also highlighted the fact that the gardaí are currently awaiting the redeployment of resources that were originally earmarked for Cork, but who were instead sent to Drogheda to help with growing gang-related crime, something Cllr McCarthy said has had a “knock-on” effect around the country.

During Monday night’s meeting, residents specifically highlighted the crucial role that the neighbourhood watch plays in preventing crime.

Cllr McCarthy said: “One of the points that came across at the meeting was the importance of a neighbourhood watch and people looking out for each other.

“They have 25 gardaí in Douglas Garda Station which covers about 20,000 people, so it’s paramount to get information from local people.

“They are great neighbourhoods. When it comes to providing information on things that look out of place, like people hanging around in an estate who don't live there, local people have that knowledge,” the city councillor added.