Calls made for quick introduction of CCTV to Ballinasloe

Councillor Alan Harney has called for the swift implementation of CCTV in Ballinasloe, after representing the town's Anti-Social Behaviour Action Group at a recent meeting with local Gardaí.

The meeting, said Cllr. Harney, came in the wake of a number of anti-social incidents in the town centre in recent weeks, and was also attended by Garda David Dully and the business representatives of the Behaviour Action Group, Amy Keller and Graeme Gullane.

“We have seen a number of incidents in recent weeks in our town centre and we need to respond comprehensively to ensure law and order is maintained in our community. I had a constructive meeting with Garda David Dully and Amy Keller and Graeme Gullane, and I want to thank Amy and Graeme for representing our business community,” Cllr. Harney said.

“In terms of a reponse, I want to see us build on this with the rollout of CCTV prioritised. I will be continuing to raise this with our council officials until we achieve progress,” he added.

Earlier this year, the new Anti-Social Behaviour subgroup – established in response to ongoing community concerns was set up to take on the challenge of anti-social behaviour in Ballinasloe.

The subgroup includes representatives from an Gardaí, Galway County Council, community and youth groups, education and family support services, local businesses and people who have experienced challenging behaviours in relation to community safety.

Set up by the Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), the subgroup is led by Councillor Evelyn Parsons, Councillor Dermot Connolly, and Councillor Harney alongside Garda Inspector Declan Rock and Senior Executive Officer Gerard Scully.

The aim of the subgroup is to identify patterns and hotspots in anti-social behaviour in Ballinasloe, improve co-ordination between agencies, and develop short and medium-term actions that focus on prevention and early intervention.

It also plans to improve communication with residents, businesses and community groups, support young people and families through positive alternatives, and provide updates and recommendations to the LCSP.