EARLIER STARTS OR ‘MEETINGS ON THE MOVE’ BEING CONSIDERED BY YOUGHAL COMMUNITY ALERT.

By Christy Parker

Youghal & District Community Alert group is considering options that might boost attendances at its monthly meetings. Amongst the measures being contemplated are switching to morning or afternoon meetings instead of  the present 7.45 pm  and with increased accent on providing a community information service and regular guest speakers. Meetings may convene in bar or function rooms, with accompanying refreshments. This would replicate November’s meeting, which was held in the Nook bar on a midweek morning and attracted some new faces and favourable observations. On the downside, it is known that some people were not comfortable with attending a pub (let alone in the morning to hear warnings on drug abuse!).

Another alternative would see the group remain in situ at Cumann na Daoine but times during the day or evening to facilitate those attending other events to proceed to the Community Alert meeting thereafter. A further innovation being considered is to rotate meetings in various residential centres in co-operation with various community committees and where there would be particular emphasis on issues within that community or estate, etc. One argument however against change is that fluctuating meeting times is probably not for the best.

The issue was raised at December’s meeting by Chairman Des Davis, before a handful of regulars who have emerged as the group’s core and driving force. The poor attendances can be interpreted in several ways, not all of which are negative. The absence of serious crime (at the risk of tempting fate) probably dilutes interest, while the media coverage perhaps provides many people with sufficient information on developments.

Equally, it was observed at December’s meeting, elderly people in particular are reluctant to travel at night due to the cold and darkness and the cost and requirement of public transport. “Besides, without tea and scones, it’s very hard to get anyone to come out at night anyway!”, noted one man at December’s meeting.

Having existed, albeit relatively dormant, for many years through the efforts of founder Moss Lynch, the Y&DCA was effectively re-launched three years ago following a ‘Halloween nightmare’ of vandalism and criminality on the main streets. The circumstances saw the early meetings well attended. In later times, quality has surpassed quantity, enabling the group to bring indelible improvement to the community. This is reflected particularly in the acquisition and installation of over 100 socially monitored alarms along with formation of the highly valued Care and Repair service and the Community Bus initiative which were offshoots of the local Community Alert movement.

Yet, as the chairman stressed, larger attendances such as convenes at community alert meetings in other jurisdictions, remains an ambition. The matter will be discussed further at January’s meeting.

Earlier, December’s meeting saw Mossie Murphy circulate his treasurer’s report, which showed current assets at €1,759.45.

Crime Statistics

Community Garda Peter Queally then provided crime statistics covering the period October to December. These were as follows: Thefts: 7; Assaults: 2, including one serious incident that coincided with the burning of a hearse and a couple of burglaries, all of which were perpetrated by the same people on one particular night. Arrests had been made and court proceedings were anticipated;

Drugs: 9 for possession (own use) and 2 for sale and supply;

Criminal Damage: 6, some of which involved stones and eggs being thrown on Halloween night. The garda pinpointed an increase in antisocial behaviour in the town, particularly in the vicinity of the College Gardens and Adoration Chapel but also on the main street. He said ASBOs had been issued and more would follow, along with whatever measures the gardaí deemed necessary to problem including, in due course, court proceedings. In response to an inquiry from the floor, he clarified that ASBOs can also be served on adults;

Theft/MPV (breaking into and stealing from private vehicles) 2: Garda Queally stressed that goods and valuables should be concealed form view at all times to discourage this common and simple crime;

Drunk Driving: 3; Domestic Incidents (violence in the home): 5, which were referred to the HSE; Burglaries: 3; Underage Drinking: 1; Public Order Offences: 7.

The chairman Des Davis welcomed evidence that an increasing amount of people appear to be availing of services that assist in treatment for drug problems. He added however, that prevention being better than cure, the community at large should not cease to consider ways to dissuade people, particularly the young, from falling into the trap of drug taking in the first place.

Alarms

Garda Queally said there had been about 30 socially monitored alarms installed over the past year, at a grant-aided cost of €6,600. Currently, the group owed about €600 to alarm installation company TASK, in lieu of different alarm pendants and watches, re-installation of alarms handed back, etc. It was agreed to pay this forthwith.

From the floor it was mooted that people in rural areas be prioritised for future alarm installations as several people in town had changed their minds about retaining the devices. A reluctance to pay the €60 annual maintenance fee was cited as a prime reason for this. However it was decided that any discrimination in the installation of alarms would be a mistake in practice.

Garda Queally said uptake on smoke alarms remained low. Simultaneously, it was noted, individuals who had applied for smoke alarms were experiencing delays in acquiring them because there needed to be about ten or so applications made before Cork County Council would provide them. Garda Queally said the delay was also due to the county council’s failure to return some application forms that had been forwarded to the wrong department.

Carbon monoxide

Community Alert Treasurer Michael Beecher drew attention to the issue of carbon monoxide alarms. He said they were available for €29 in hardware shops. He stressed the inherent danger of (odourless) carbon monoxide emissions in particular at Christmas, where extra electrical could prompt sudden energy surges. The group agreed to consider the possibility of subsidising such alarms for those who could not afford them. This will be considered more fully at January’s meeting along while the possibility that currently available smoke alarms also monitor carbon monoxide is also to be investigated.

Attention then turned to a house in the town that has become available for rent, as a voice from the floor asked whether a plea from the group could be made to the landlord that the incoming resident/s would be of good character. The issue was raised on foot of a death having occurred in the premises previously and consider distress having been incurred subsequently by a neighbour who was mourning the passing of close relative at the time. Another contributor suggested the “residents’ network” make recommendation. Garda Queally said he would recommend that the gardaí follow up the issue and this was agreed.

The next Community Alert meeting will be held in Cuman na Daoine on Tuesday January 3rd at 7.45 pm

end