Longford arson attack prompts meeting with Garda Superintendent for safety taskforce

A motion has been proposed to establish a safety taskforce in a housing estate just outside Longford Town.

The move comes on foot of a recent arson attack on a house, the second serious incident that has occurred there in a matter of weeks.

The motion was submitted at a recent sitting of Longford Municipal District by Cathaoirleach, Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi.

Cllr Adejinmi called on Longford County Council to “urgently establish a Local Community Safety Taskforce, led by the Garda Superintendent in collaboration with Council services and the Clonbalt Woods Residents Association, to address repeated criminal and arson incidents in the estate.”

She proposed the taskforce develop an action plan to restore safety and support for the residents, and requested that all progress be “reported to the next Longford Municipal District meeting.”

She told the chamber that the residents of Clonbalt Woods are “very worried and feel unsafe” and pointed out that a safety taskforce could also be implemented in other estates around the county that are experiencing issues with crime.

The motion was met with great support. Cllr Peggy Nolan described as “shocking” what had happened in the estate in recent weeks and said her concerns were with the residents involved.

Backing the proposal for the establishment of a taskforce, she said she hoped the creation of such would help to resolve the matter soon.

Cllr Seamus Butler pointed out that as the Clonbalt Woods complex only “has one vehicle entrance and exit, a certain degree of visible policing could help deter crimes,” as well as help Gardaí apprehend those committing the crimes.

Cllr Gerry Hagan also lent his support stating that the issue needed to be tackled “with great immediacy” and that the people responsible needed to be brought before the judicial system and convicted.

Cllr Hagan went on to reference the recent attack in Clondalkin whereby a woman was sprayed with an accelerant upon answering the door. He said there should be zero tolerance for any kind of criminal behaviour in housing estates.

Senior Executive Officer, Martina McGrath, who was in attendance on behalf of Director of Services, John Brannigan, said it had been agreed that Longford County Council would arrange a meeting with Longford Superintendent to discuss the matter and “appropriate action put in place.”

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