At the Annual Neighbourhood Watch Conference held in January, Vanessa Clarke, Community Development Officer gave an informative presentation on Munitir na Tire. DDCSN was then delighted to be invited to Sligo and have the opportunity to see worthwhile projects operating in the area such as the ‘Lend a Hand Scheme’ which is voluntarily run and helps vulnerable people with odd jobs around the home. Members of the Network found it extremely beneficial to meet with active community groups and see schemes rolled out which help people feel safer in their communities. Some of the key projects include visiting isolated persons and running a good morning call service.  

Members of the Network were also given the opportunity to meet with a Joint Policing Committee (JPC). JPC comprises of representation from the Garda, local authority and community groups. Their main functions are to reviews crime, anti-social behaviour, the underlying factors leading to these community safety issues and identifying ways in which the Garda should address these problems.

The Chairman of Down District Community Safety Network, Dan McEvoy stated, “This trip provided the opportunity to showcase some excellent work ongoing in Down such as Anti-social Behaviour Action Plans and the Small Grants Funding Programme.  It was an ideal opportunity for sharing the experiences we have in the North with our Southern counterparts and learning of innovative ways to address community safety issues. I hope to build on the relationship developed with our Southern counterparts and ensure best practice in the future.”