Lull in anti-social behaviour in Leitrim town after increased Garda action

Cllr Cormac Flynn says there has been a lull in anti-social behaviour in recent times in Carrick-on-Shannon, with Gardaí and Leitrim County Council taking more proactive measures in some areas.

The Sinn Féin councillor said a number of people had been removed from the area and that the council had been “far more visible with enforcement measures in the past month”.

“Residents have been vigilant as well. It has been a joint effort from Gardai and the council,” he added. Cllr Flynn said the issue had been in the background for the past two years, with residents from some communities communicating with him regarding anti-social behaviour.

“This issue is in the background for the past two years. I previously said that people in these areas needed support. There is a joint effort from the Gardai and the council.”

Cllr Flynn made the comments following a motion he tabled at the July meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, in which he called on Leitrim County Council to “work with An Garda Siochana and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement a robust strategy in relation to repossessions, evictions and exclusion orders for council owned and managed housing to deal with extreme anti-social behaviour in some areas.”

Speaking on his motion, Cllr Flynn told the meeting that, “I want to make it 100% clear that the vast majority of residents of these estates are excellent neighbours. However, some are being held to ransom, by the behaviour of a minority.” Cllr Flynn added that some residents were “living in fear of retaliation if they make a complaint.”

“The rights of one tenant should not outweigh those of a majority,” he commented. He went on to outline the type of behaviour that is causing distress for people in estates. “Public intoxication, threats and harassment of neighbours, criminal damage, dumping of rubbish, loud parties late into the night and early morning, vandalism, violence, intimidation, and ongoing breaches of the peace,” he told the meeting.

Cllr Flynn added that, “residents from some communities are in constant communication with me regarding the anti-social behaviour they are being forced to endure.”

“Some families have no option but to temporarily leave their homes in order to get peace and escape intimidation,” he added.

“Where serious anti-social behaviour persists, the council must be prepared to use every legal mechanism available, including exclusion orders, tenancy warnings and ultimately, repossession proceedings where necessary,” Cllr Flynn concluded. Cllr Flynn told the Observer that progress has been made since the meeting.

“There has been a lull in anti-social behaviour in recent times. The Gardai have been a lot more proactive and a number of people have been removed from the area,” Cllr Flynn told the Observer. Cllr Flynn added that the council have also been proactive.

“The council have been far more visible with enforcement measures in the past month,” he stated. He also said some vulnerable tenants were being intimidated.

“Some vulnerable tenants are being intimidated to have their properties used for anti-social behaviour,” he explained. At the July meeting, Cllr Flynn’s motion was widely supported by other councillors.

“The use of CCTV should be explored,” Cllr Maeve Reynolds (FG) stated. “People are in fear of reporting incidents, but the presence of CCTV would alleviate worries,” she added.

“A very small minority are making it difficult for residents. We need to keep the finger on the pulse,” Cllr Sean McGowan (FF) told the meeting. A written reply from the council issued at the municipal meeting stated, “the council is currently undertaking a review of its Anti-Social Behaviour policy.

As part of this review, consideration is being given to ensuring that the policy reflects current legislation and provides a clear, robust and consistent framework for addressing anti-social behaviour with Council housing estates and communities.”

Leitrim County Council issued a statement to the Observer outlining their response to the issues highlighted by Cllr Flynn.

“Leitrim County Council can confirm that it is actively engaging in relation to reports of anti-social behaviour at local authority properties in the Carrick-on-Shannon area.

“The Housing Department has taken a range of actions within its statutory remit, including engagement with tenants, welfare and tenancy support interventions, property visits, tenancy enforcement actions where necessary, requests for information from An Garda Síochána, and measures to secure Council-owned properties where concerns have arisen.

These actions form part of the Council’s ongoing management of its housing stock and its responsibilities under tenancy agreements,” the council stated. The statement went on to say that the council is working with the Gardai.

“Where reported activities involve individuals who are not tenants of Leitrim County Council, the Housing Department has limited enforcement powers. In such instances, the Council is working closely with An Garda Síochána and requests that criminal or public order matters be investigated and pursued by the appropriate authorities.

“Where a Council tenant is alleged to be in breach of the terms of their tenancy agreement through anti-social behaviour occurring at, or associated with, their property, the Housing Department follows the established procedures available to it under housing legislation and tenancy management policies.

“Depending on the circumstances, this may include warnings, investigations, tenancy reviews and, where warranted and supported by evidence, progression of enforcement measures.

“Leitrim County Council remains committed to supporting residents, protecting the peaceful enjoyment of their homes, and working with An Garda Síochána and other agencies to address anti-social behaviour in a proportionate and appropriate manner,” the statement concluded.