57 Community Alert groups from throughout County Limerick were honoured at Limerick County Hall in Dooradoyle this afternoon.
The ceremony, which was hosted by Limerick County Council, marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment by Muintir na Tíre of the Community Alert Programme in 1985.
The scheme, which operates in co-operation with An Garda Síochána and is funded by the Department of Justice and Law Reform and the Department of Health and Children, is a community-based crime prevention, care and safety programme for rural communities. It has a particular emphasis on older and more vulnerable people in rural communities.
Speaking at this evening’s ceremony, Cllr. Richard Butler, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council said: “I would like to thank and congratulate Limerick’s Community Alert volunteers who carry out invaluable work in their own communities often without any recognition for their efforts. I also wish to compliment the many Garda Liaison Officers, without whom the Community Alert programme would never have achieved so much in its first 25 years of operation.”
The Cathaoirleach continued: “The role of the Community Alert scheme is a crucial tool for tackling rural crime. The establishment and operation of community alert schemes acts as a deterrence to would be criminals operating in a specific part of the country. Predominantly a rural-based initiative, Community Alert is also becoming increasingly adapted in urban areas of Ireland as general crime and anti-social behaviour levels have grown.
“Community Alert, however, means more than Crime Prevention alone. The programme has extended its brief into areas of social inclusion, care, community safety and advice. Community Alert helps to reassure members of the community, especially the elderly and those who live alone.
“I am delighted to see that the programme also involves younger members of the community. National and secondary school pupils, their teachers and youth clubs are involved at every level of Community Alert. This helps educate our children about the value of preventing and reducing crime, as well as providing them with a sense of community”, added the Cathaoirleach.
Muintir na Tire comprises a national network of over 1300 Community Councils, Community Alert groups and associated development groups.
According to Councillor Richard Butler: “Muintir na Tíre itself has undergone some dramatic changes and been party to many of them since its foundation in the late 30s. The ability of the organisation to adapt in the face of these changes has been one of its greatest strengths. The same can be said for those communities throughout Limerick and Ireland that have contributed to the organisation’s development down through the years.”
“Limerick County Council is delighted to be able to official recognise the contribution of County Limerick’s 57 Community Alert groups and in doing so underline the importance of acknowledging community spirit and the work carried out by volunteers the length and breadth of the county”, the Cathaoirleach concluded.
Community Alert Groups In County Limerick:
Abbeyfeale, Adare, Ardpatrick, Askeaton/Ballysteen, Athea, Ballingarry, Ballybricken, Ballylanders, Broadford, Bruff Grange, Meanus & District, Bruree/Rockhill, Caherconlish/Caherline, Cappagh, Cappamore, Carrickerry, Castletown/Ballyagran, Colmanswell, Coolcappa, Croagh, Croom, Derrybeg/Derryknockane, Dromard, Dromin / Athlacca, Drumcollogher, Effin/Garrienderk, Kishikirk, Ardagh, Fedamore, Feenagh/Kilmeedy, Foynes, Galbally, Glenroe/Ballyorgan, Glin, Kilcornan, Kildimo, Kilfinane, Kilmallock, Kilteely Dromkeen, Knockaderry Clouncagh, Knockainey/Bottomstown, Knockcarron, Knocklong, Labbamalloga/Knockade, Loughill/Ballyhahill Community Alert, Manister, Monagea, Mountcollins, Murroe – Boher, Oola, Pallasgreen, Pallaskenry and District, Rathkeale, Shanagolden/Kilcolman, South Hill Community Services Warmer Homes, St. Senan’s Foynes / Shanagolden, Templeglantine and Tournafulla.
-ENDS-
Note To Editor:
High resolution images from today’s ceremony will be made available later this evening. For further information or to obtain images please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
