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A KERRY TD is calling for Government support for a text service to help gardaí respond more quickly to crime.
The ‘See Something, Say Something’ service has been operating successfully in the Tralee area for over two years.
It’s an anonymous text alerting system enabling the general public to alert An Garda Síochána of public order concerns.
Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry says funding will conclude at the end of 2020 and is calling on the Department of Justice to support it and retain the service.
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“The operation has been run successfully in Tralee and Killarney over the last number of years, with plans to launch the service in Listowel,” he said.
“The cost to run the service is minimal compared to the benefits: €2,000 per annum for each of Tralee and Killarney and €1,500 for Listowel.”
Deputy Daly said the service has contributed to a 25% reduction in public order offences in Tralee and 450 incident reports from the general public over a 5 month period alone.
He said it has also led to greater cooperation between the Gardaí, the business community and the general public.
“The existing services are now will be suspended effective 31st December due to lack of funding and Listowel cannot go ahead,” he said. “Chambers Ireland has indicated it would support such a scheme if it is rolled out nationally, and we know there is interest from a number of towns to launch it. I am calling on Minister McEntee to respond to calls to support the operation and the benefits it brings to the wider community.”
