Garda presence sought to tackle late night drinking

LATE night drinking by young people in Shannon Banks has prompted calls for the establishment of a community garda sub office.
Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald said he has received complaints from residents claiming youths are congregating in amenity areas on the banks of the River Shannon at weekends and on some week nights.
Claiming that Ardnacrusha Garda Station is undermanned, Councillor Fitzgerald expressed disappointment that no garda has been appointed to replace Garda John Kelleher, who retired from the station last year.
He said local gardaí are doing their best to police the area but could use the benefit of having a physical presence in Westbury and Shannon Banks. He pointed out the population of the area including Parteen, Meelick, Clonlara, Ardnacrusha, Shannon Banks, Westbury, Carraig Midhe, Athlunkard and Gillogue is now in the region of 10,000.
“What was once a rural part of Clare has over the years taken on an urban look particularly in the Westbury, Shannon Banks, Carraig Midhe and Athlunkard areas.
“With the huge increase of people living in the area there is a tendency towards a rise in a certain amount of anti-social behaviour.
“There is an urgent need for more community gardaí on the beat in the villages and estates in the area,” Councillor Fitzgerald said.
He pointed out he has already proposed to senior gardaí the need for extra members on the ground, with the emphasis on community gardaí and bike patrols.
“Constituents are constantly coming to me and asking about more garda resoursces and it is felt that a community garda office should be located in the Westbury/Shannon Banks area which would have full backup from Ardnacrusha Garda Station.
“People are looking for community gardai visible on the beat as they want to feel safe in their homes and moving around the area” he concluded.