Drug-related intimidation and youth safety dominate first public meeting of Galway LCSP
Drug-related intimidation and young people’s safety dominated the first public meeting of Galway County’s Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) this month.
The inaugural public meeting of the LCSP, which aims to identify local safety concerns through collaboration between communities, statutory agencies, public services and elected representatives, was held in Athenry on September 8.
The Galway County LCSP welcomed members of the public to hear an update on its work and provide feedback, describing the meeting as an opportunity to hear concerns and recommendations directly from residents.
“The issues raised through the consultation and at this meeting will help inform the work of the Partnership and the development of the County Community Safety Plan, which is currently in development following an extensive countywide public consultation process,” LCSP coordinator Marie Nicholson said.
“The discussions on drug-related intimidation and young people demonstrate the importance of early intervention, accessible supports and effective links between communities and the organisations working with them.
“We want the Partnership to remain open and responsive to communities across Galway as we continue this work.”
Speakers at the meeting included Maria Powers of the Western Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Detective Inspector Brendan Carroll of An Garda Síochána and Emmet Major of Planet Youth.
Detective Inspector Carroll, who has been appointed the region’s Drug-Related Intimidation Inspector, outlined the garda response to those experiencing drug-related intimidation and the supports available to them.
While Mr Major shared data from Planet Youth research in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon examining how adolescents interact with substances.
“Drug-related intimidation can have a serious impact on individuals and families, and it is important that people know there is support available,” Galway County Council Cathaoirleach and chairman of the Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said.
“We also need to listen to young people and understand the challenges they face, using the evidence available to us to inform how we respond.”
Most LCSP meetings are not open to the public. Separate partnerships operate in Galway city and county.
Galway city held its first series of public consultations over the course of three days this month. “The success of the Community Safety Plan depends on hearing directly from the people and communities it is intended to serve,” LCSP chair Cllr Níall McNelis said.
“Whether your concerns relate to neighbourhood safety, community wellbeing, youth services, public spaces or social inclusion, your views matter.