(Photo: Business representatives to the Task Force – Amy Keller & Graeme Gullane alongside Cllr Alan Harney & Garda David Dully at a recent meeting in the Garda Station.)
Anti-social behaviour remains at the forefront of discussion in the town, as recent incidents, growing concern among local businesses, open discussion at the recent MDC attest; the work of a newly established taskforce continues to add urgency to calls for a stronger response.
In recent months, several reported incidents have sharpened public concern and brought renewed focus to safety in both the town centre and residential areas, with a clear feeling around that recurring issues now require a more coordinated and visible response.
The Ballinasloe Anti-Social Behaviour Action Group has begun its work under the Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), having held its first formal meeting in recent weeks.
Those involved in the subgroup include local councillors Alan Harney, Dermot Connolly and Dr Evelyn Parsons, alongside Garda Inspector Declan Rock and Galway County Council Senior Executive Officer Gerard Scully. The wider group also involves representatives from An Garda Síochána, community and youth services, education and family support organisations, and the local business community. Among those representing business interests are Amy Keller and Graeme Gullane, who recently attended a meeting in the town’s garda station alongside Garda David Dully and Cllr Harney.
The focus is on identifying patterns and hotspots of anti-social behaviour, improving coordination between agencies and developing both short- and medium-term actions. These include a stronger emphasis on prevention and early intervention, improved communication with residents and businesses, and support for young people and families.
One of the key priorities to emerge is the need for increased garda visibility and the expansion of CCTV. Cllr Harney has said that visible policing in the town centre is essential and that the rollout of CCTV must be prioritised, particularly in areas where issues have been recurring. A public consultation process hasalso taken place as part of the wider community safety planning process, with residents invited to share their experiences.
Officials acknowledged the seriousness of the issue at the last meeting and admitted the situation was “difficult to get a handle on” and that they were “quite worried” despite ongoing engagement locally.
Cllr Dermot Connolly said “everyone is aware of what is going on” as he called for additional Garda resources to be allocated to the Ballinasloe division.
“It’s getting worse over the last six months. We are the worst-funded local authority in the country. There is a major deficit in our funding stream and staff levels to be able to make any kind of positive difference. It’s the people at the coalface who are vulnerable.”
Cllr Declan Geraghty described the situation as “out of control” and questioned whether those responsible should be relocated.
“When you see young lads on bicycles firing stones through a person’s house, a Galway County Council house, that is serious and it shouldn’t be tolerated” stated Cllr Geraghty.
