Longford Review of the Year October 2024: Extensive Garda investigation into Longford brothel deals

Probe into Longford brothel deals

A growing number of ringleaders in the sex workers industry and landlords are negotiating deals on a Longford town WhatsApp group chat to use rental properties as brothels.
As the social problem intensifies, the Longford Leader has learned that there are currently at least four brothels in town centre locations with nine women and two transgender women, listed on the Escort Ireland website offering sexual services.
It is understood Gardaí are monitoring several suspected ringleaders and one brothel is located within a one minute walk of a local school in a highly visible location.
A senior Garda source said there is a WhatsApp group involving people working as independent escorts and people willing to rent out properties to them.
The source explained the landlords are facilitating the properties for the sex workers.
At least 12 sex workers are operating out of the multitude of premises on a weekly basis and clients are able to make bookings from the early afternoon in highly visible locations.
The sex workers listed on the Escort Ireland website are changed frequently with only three of the same individuals who advertised their 'services' on Friday still being featured on Monday.

Ten of the individuals offer the '69' position, while an expert masseuse offers a happy ending with prices ranging from €80 for 30 minutes up to €200 per hour.
Selling sex is not a crime following the 2017 Sexual Offences Act, however, it is against the law to advertise such services.

The 2017 Sexual Offences Act was introduced with a focus on moving the burden of criminality away from those selling sexual services and onto the individuals purchasing them.
Natalie O’Reilly, a Domestic Violence Service Co-Ordinator at Longford Women’s Link, said there is more thought and planning now put into selling sex and it is 'getting worse'.
She said the sex workers, who are often coerced and manipulated, are 'hiding in plain sight'.

LWL offer a confidential service and they offer individual women domestic violence support, counselling, and they offer support for migrant women.

St Christopher's launch

St Christopher's new hub catering for school leavers to help them transition into adult life after leaving the comfort of the school environment was officially opened in October by Minister of State for Disabilities Anne Rabbitte.
The new services hub will be a centre for activity and ideas that will be dedicated to the development of young adults with disabilities.
Minister Rabbitte remarked, “I think it's important that we meet the needs of everybody at everybody's own level.”

Longford N63 disruption

Over 60 Longford Businesses along the N63 Athlone Road have expressed their fears and disquiet over the potential disruption they may be facing when junction realignment and street improvement works underway.
The plans include a footpath and cycle track from the railway bridge Townparks Industrial Estate and the Royal Canal at Cartrongeeragh.
Cllr Peggy Nolan said Councillors had recieved an email from 60 businesses directly affected by the proposed works.
“Nobody wants to stop progress,” said Cllr Nolan, “ but I would ask that the road directorate would deal directly with the people who are asking to be heard.”