Gardaí not required to notify Council on disturbances in Leitrim estates, meeting hears

A debate emerged regarding communication between the Council’s Housing department and An Garda Síochána when instances of anti-social behaviour occur in housing estates.

During April’s meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District, Cllr Justin Warnock questioned whether Gardaí are required to contact the Housing department following one or multiple call outs to disturbances at local authority houses.

He inquired how, in the absence of such a requirement, the Housing department becomes aware of such incidents and how promptly action is taken.

“Every village in every town has problems at times not just in Local Authority housing but also in private rentals,” Cllr Warnock said.

He showed dissatisfaction at the Council response, which clarified that An Garda Síochána is not obligated to contact the local authority in such cases. Gardaí, like all agencies, must comply with the Data Protection Act and Regulations when it comes to disclosing information.

“It could be a month before the Council hears about it because in most cases the neighbours are afraid to contact the Council because they’re being bullied by the individuals,” he added.

Cllr Warnock claimed there is a breakdown of communication and called for a better system to address ongoing anti-social behaviour in housing estates - some of which, he stated, has persisted for a year.

However, Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Environment, Climate, Sustainable Communities and Library Services, rejected the suggestion of a communication breakdown.

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He explained that when the Council receives a complaint about anti-social behaviour in a local authority estate, it is investigated.

As part of that investigation, a report from the Gardaí is requested, enabling a multiagency, collaborative approach that contributes to the resolution of such issues.

Mr Dwyer also emphasised the distinction between anti-social behaviour relevant to an estate and general bad behaviour that may not fall under the definition of anti-social behaviour in the context of residency or tenancy.

If Gardaí are dealing with individuals for reasons unrelated to their tenancy, those matters may not involve the estate.

“Leitrim County Council has powers under the Housing Acts in relation to dealing with anti-social behaviour and promoting good estate management,” the Council response stated.

“The Council works closely with An Garda Síochána and other agencies, including the HSE, Leitrim Development Company, Leitrim Residents Network etc, in dealing with anti-social behaviour,” it further noted.

Once a complaint is lodged with the Housing department, a report is requested from An Garda Síochána, logged into the system and used to initiate an investigation.

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