Moate residents invited to public meeting on community safety

Residents of Moate are being invited to attend a public meeting later this month to discuss community safety concerns and explore practical ways to address antisocial behaviour in the town.

The meeting, organised by local resident Shane Lynam, will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 29, at St Mary's Hall, the Old School House, Moate.

The initiative follows concerns raised by residents and businesses about antisocial behaviour, intimidation, vandalism and other incidents in the town.

Mr Lynam began exploring the possibility of establishing a community safety network in response to these concerns on August28, when he organised a public poll in the Facebook group MOATE IS OPEN AND MUCH MORE to gauge support for establishing a community safety group.

The response was strongly in favour, with 95 of the 101 people who voted supporting the idea, while six voted against it. This represented approximately 94 per cent support among those who participated.

Following the poll, Mr Lynam established the provisional Moate Community Support Network Facebook page. Cathal Cully, an administrator of the group's Facebook page, is also supporting the initiative and helping to raise awareness of the meeting.

The meeting will begin with a brief introduction before attendees are divided into groups and invited to write down their concerns. These issues will then be read aloud to help identify the main problems affecting the community and encourage discussion among those present.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to indicate their support for potential initiatives that could be taken forward. One proposal being considered is a petition calling for additional resources to help address community safety concerns.

An Garda Síochána has been invited to attend the meeting. Mr Cully said he hoped the meeting would provide a constructive opportunity for residents to come together, share their experiences and work towards achievable solutions.

The organisers are encouraging people from across Moate, including residents, business owners and representatives of community organisations, to attend and contribute to the discussion.

The meeting is open to everyone, and further information is available through the Moate Community Support Network Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gfb4LGFCZ/.