New superintendent appointed to Kilrush/Ennistymon district

SUPERINTENDENT Seamus Nolan is to replace outgoing Kilrush and Ennistymon Garda Superintendent Gerry Wall, who has been transferred to a similar position in Leixlip, Kildare.
Supt Nolan was stationed in Henry Street, Limerick and has been described by Supt Wall as an experienced acquisition for the garda force in Kilrush and Ennistymon.
“The people in Kilrush can rest assured that Supt Nolan brings considerable expertise and he can only do good for the people in the Kilrush and Ennistymon garda districts. He comes at a period of time in Kilrush when there are challenges under certain categories of crime of which he’s fully aware.
“He has the added advantage of having served in a very difficult policing environment in Limerick. He has risen to the top in that challenge and that’s why he’s a superintendent,” Supt Wall told The Clare Champion on Wednesday.
The outgoing superintendent, who has served in Kilrush since 2010, acknowledged that his successor will have some pressing issues to deal with.
“There are certainly people who are intent on criminality, no matter what society offers them by way of education or work.
“I would say to Supt Nolan that when he faces these challenges, he has very solid support in the community. Those people who think they will deal in drugs and destroy the youth in the community and the families, will always be pursued,” he warned.
“Recently, I had the full support of the Garda National Drugs Unit when they were brought down to a rural district to assist the community in fighting drugs. I was very, very pleased with that and I think the community should know that whatever we have, we will bring to Kilrush to help people get rid of that scourge.
“In recent times, we have had tremendous success in tackling not only drugs but aggravated burglary and other crimes. Those people have been successfully prosecuted and, where appropriate, they have been imprisoned,” Supt Wall stated.
He said he has enjoyed working with the West and North Clare communities under his jurisdiction.
“The resilience of the rural community in Ireland is so strong and they’re so committed to looking after themselves, their elderly neighbours, their families and to doing the voluntary work in their community, without ever asking for anything in return.
“I admire them greatly for that, particularly in the difficult circumstances that they found themselves in, with the current fodder crisis, for example. I found it remarkable how these people continue and never give up.
“They’re unfailingly courteous, even though it can be difficult at times dealing with An Garda Síochána. We’re enforcing the law and it can be difficult and challenging for us.
“The support from the community for the gardaí in West Clare is steadfast. It’s greatly appreciated,” Supt Wall acknowledged, adding the recent establishment of community alert groups in his garda area is a positive development.
“In the last two years, 12 to 14 community alert groups have been established in the garda district. They are run by voluntary people and I would encourage local people to join their community alert, hear our message and discuss their worries and concerns with us at those forums,” Supt Wall concluded.