Gardaí acknowledge complaints over lack of Garda presence in Cappoquin after residents raise issue
Superintendent Sheahan said he acknowledges An Garda Síochána have had complaints from members of the public.
Gardaí have received a number of complaints on the lack of Garda presence in Cappoquin over recent years, Superintendent Laurence Sheahan confirmed at the latest Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership (WLCSP) public meeting.
A question submitted by a local resident of Cappoquin pertaining to the lack of Gardaí in the area was heard at the meeting, who said they have only seen Gardaí present in the community once over the last three years, and that it was a member of the roads policing unit carrying out road policing checks.
In the pre-submitted and vetted question, they said they have repeatedly raised concerns about public safety issues, like anti-social behaviour, cars driving donuts, vehicles passing pedestrians at dangerous speeds and an increase of people covered by hoods and masks in the area making residents uncomfortable.
In response to the issues raised by the WLCSP on behalf of the resident, Superintendent Sheahan said he acknowledges An Garda Síochána have had complaints from members of the public in relation to the roadway in question.
The level of activity on the road has increased year-on-year he said, adding that Gardaí do conduct speed checks on the roadway on an "almost daily" basis.
The roadway, he said, is a "narrow enough rural roadway with the restricted speeding on it", in a community of 1,200 odd people.
"We do have the support of both uniform and we have Operation Thor on the go at the moment, which relates to crime patrols," he said.
Members of An Garda Síóchana in nearby areas carry out roads policing initiatives in Cappoquin he said, especially in the areas where the level of intoxicated drivers has "almost doubled this year alone".
There has been no serious or fatal traffic accidents on that stretch of road this year, the Superintendent added, saying approximately 50 checkpoints are completed and recorded in the area.
And that they will "continue to ask members to engage with the public and try see where the issues are".
If local residents with similar concerns want to speak with a member of An Garda Síochána, Sergeant Ken O'Donovan, who is based in Lismore Garda Station, would be "more than willing to meet with anyone" concerned, Superintendent Sheahan said, adding that concerns can also be brought to anyone in the Dungarvan Garda Station for the same area.
