The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD has officially appointed Aontú West Clare Rep, June Dillon to the Clare Local Community Safety Partnership (CLCSP).
Dillon, who works as a Community Nurse is Chair of the ‘Safer Clare’ Campaign, an initiative she was instrumental in establishing to highlight concerns around crime, roads, infrastructure and services in the region.
Expressing her delight on news of her Ministerial Appointment, Ms Dillon said: “This is a very welcome development. I am really looking forward to working collaboratively with the other appointees and helping to make the county and region safer for all. We have a beautiful county, but it has its problems like all others.
Sadly, there is a growing and palpable undercurrent of aggression in our wider society, and it is coarsening. We truly need to educate young people that violence is never, ever acceptable and it must never be tolerated”.
“Ireland is becoming a more violent place especially for women. Society and the Government are failing victims and survivors of domestic violence. There is significant evidence that the consumption of Pornography is linked to the increase in violence against women. Yet the government has refused to follow the lead of the French Government or support an Aontú Bill which would stop the provision of these materials to children”.
“While sentences vary, Ireland is far too lenient in terms of our sentencing in terms of domestic violence or sexual abuse. We need a zero tolerance policy, and that means stronger sentencing. It also means more Gardaí being available when called out to these crimes. We also need stronger support in place for survivors.. The state needs to stop dragging its feet on these issues. Too many people’s lives are being destroyed, often irreparably, by this horrible abuse”.
People have shared their fears with me that they are fearful that that crime is becoming almost an ‘inevitability’ in this region. Petty theft and more serious incidents of burglary are escalating as burglars know that there is a good chance of them getting away with their crimes due to the lack of Gardai”.
“Crimes such as theft, drug offences, criminal damage, assault and sexual violence are leaving people vulnerable and afraid.”
“Elderly people are very vulnerable, and this is a serious worry. It is a disgrace that they dread winter nights for fear of being targeted by thugs who thrive under the cover of darkness”.
“Our farmers are having expensive machinery and other items stolen and this is causing them untold stress and hardship, and they are no strangers to that”.
“We’re hearing stories of burglars removing the tiles and slates and smashing windows to gain access to businesses. It’s audacious and brazen but it’s happening. Business owners are facing an uphill battle to keep going in the face of ever spiralling cost of living expenses and operational costs”.
“Garda personnel here in Clare are stretched to the limit and it is not fair. This is a big county and given it is so close to two of our major cities it needs additional resources”.
“The people of Clare deserve and need a strong, well-supported Garda force. The reopening of local stations is paramount. We know that a strong visible Garda presence does serve as a deterrent to criminals intent on causing untold damage”.
Our road network urgently requires significant funding and improvement. I have repeatedly highlighted this issue. Drivers, despite paying substantial road taxes and insurance, face potholes as big as craters and crumbling road edges. This puts their safety at serious risk, which is simply unacceptable. With the New Year approaching—and the Irish Open taking place in Doonbeg this September, bringing thousands more motorists to Clare—it is crucial that we address these problems immediately.
The main road to West Clare from Ennis is not fit for purpose and has not been upgraded to the level it should have been for the last 40 years, let alone the condition of sinking side roads everywhere around the county. Realistic investment is needed in road infrastructure to sustain rural communities.”
“I am looking forward to beginning work with my fellow colleagues on the Clare Local Community Safety Partnership to continue highlighting all these issues and advocating for the people of West Clare”