Gardaí aware of illegal sex workers in Carrick-on-Shannon

Gardaí have confirmed awareness of concerns surrounding illegal sex work in Carrick-on-Shannon, after a group calling itself Escort Ireland Watch reported brothel activity in the area. The group claims it has notified Gardaí of its monitoring activities and that volunteers contacted sex workers directly, confirming their location in an apartment near the Fire Station.

Escort Ireland Watch, a volunteer group, says most of the women selling sex in Ireland are not from Ireland. They allege that these women are part of a broader network "toured" around Ireland, often working out of short-term rental properties, including Airbnb. According to the group, locations are verified by witnesses and participants who have been inside the buildings.

The group criticized the lack of enforcement, questioning why those paying for sexual services aren't being prosecuted despite the public nature of the advertisements. Under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, purchasing sex is illegal, with first-time offenders facing fines of up to €500, increasing to €1,000 for repeat offences.

In response, Gardaí stressed that while selling sex is not illegal, they are the sole statutory authority responsible for investigating offences such as brothel-keeping, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. “An Garda Síochána is the only statutory authority in Ireland to investigate offences under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017,” the Gardaí noted, urging any alleged crimes to be reported directly to them.

Escort Ireland Watch claims that two women were working from the same apartment in Carrick-on-Shannon, constituting an illegal brothel under Irish law. The group confirmed the apartment location after contacting the women by phone and posing as clients.

Gardaí also highlighted the work of the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit (OPIU), which regularly engages with sex workers to conduct safeguarding checks. These checks aim to identify vulnerable individuals, particularly those being exploited or trafficked.

Gardaí assured the public that they prioritize the safety of those in the sex trade and treat any reports of crimes against them with the utmost seriousness.