Joint Policing Committee Minutes

Minutes of The Meeting of The County Sligo Joint Policing Committee Held on Friday 30th June 2023 at 10.30 A.M. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo & Via Ms Teams


IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, Chairperson
  • Councillor Marie Casserly, Vice-Chairperson – attended virtually
  • Councillor Martin Connolly
  • Councillor Tom Fox
  • Councillor Arthur Gibbons
  • Councillor Donal Gilroy
  • Councillor Gerard Mullaney
  • Councillor D Mulvey – attended virtually
  • Deputy Marian Harkin T.D. – attended virtually
  • Martin Lydon, Chief Executive, Sligo County Council
  • Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer, Sligo County Council
  • Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken, An Garda Siochana
  • Vanessa Clarke, Sligo PPN
  • Eugene McCaffrey, Sligo PPN
  • Gail McGibbons, Sligo PPN
  • Superintendent Padraic Burke, An Garda Siochana – attended virtually
  • Inspector Paul Kilcoyne, An Garda Siochana
  • Jane Golden, Staff Officer, Sligo County Council

 

APOLOGIES:

Mr. John Moran, A/Director of Services, Sligo County Council

 

CHAIRPERSON:

Councillor Rosaleen O’ Grady presided and welcomed all present in the Council Chamber and online to the meeting. 

 

1. TO NOTE THE MINUTES OF COUNTY SLIGO JPC HELD ON 16TH DECEMBER 2022 & 31ST MARCH 2023

Proposed by Councillor T. Fox
Seconded by Councillor M. Connolly

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the meetings of County Sligo JPC held on 16th December 2022 and 31st March 2023”

 

2. MATTERS ARISING

Apologies from Councillor D. Gilroy for the March JPC Meeting were omitted from the Minutes of the March JPC Meeting.  These were noted.

 

3. SLIGO JPC STRATEGIC PLAN 2017-2022 UPDATE ON ACTIONS

Prior to Chief Superintendent Glacken’s update, Cllr T. Fox gave a brief overview of some statistics from the recent Census 2022 which highlighted that Sligo was the largest town in Connaught with a population of 70,198 people.  The village of Coolaney has the youngest population and Rosses Point/Enniscrone the oldest populations in the County.  Statistics show that people are choosing to stay in the County which is positive.  Councillor T. Fox stated that it was important to view the recruitment and retention of An Garda Siochana personnel in line with these new Census figures.

Councillor R. O’Grady thanked Councillor T. Fox for this update.

Sligo JPC Strategic Plan 2017 – 2022
Chief Superintendent Glacken referred to the updates available in the Strategic Plan which was circulated to Members prior to the meeting.  An overview of County Sligo Crime Figures was given as follows:

  • Assault causing harm down 55% from 34 to 9
  • Theft from MPV was down 12%
  • Drunkenness Offences down by 42%
  • Public Order Offences down by 27%
  • Drink Driving Offences up 28%, from 33 to 46
  • Fatal – One Fatal Collision

An update on work within the Community included:

Sligo City Policing Unit- an additional member was allocated to Community Unit

The Launch of Hospital Watch – a new initiative with patrols and liaison is continuing

Go Purple Day - Gardaí across Co. Sligo took part in the Annual “Go Purple Day” initiative to promote Domestic Violence Services and raise awareness of the role An Garda Siochana plays in helping victims of Domestic Violence & identifying the services which are available to victims in their local communities.  Coffee Mornings took place in conjunction with local domestic violence support and outreach services. It was an excellent opportunity to celebrate and highlight the ongoing engagement between local Domestic Abuse Support Services & Gardaí

Scott Medals Awards - Sergeant P.J Gallagher and Garda Thomas McGuinness were awarded Scott's Medals by the Garda Commissioner for their bravery at a hijacking in Aughamore Far, Sligo on 7th October 1983

National Bike Week - Gardai visited schools across Donegal for Bike Safety week.  Community Gardai visited a number of schools and participated in obstacles courses to teach children about Bike Safety

Delivery of the Use Your Brain Not Your Fists Talks given to Youthreach, Sligo Community Training Centre, Mercy College TY Group, LCA Ballinode College of Further Education

Diversity Activities:

  • Deaf Awareness Training– 20 Gardai attended training with Trinity College Dublin
  • Garda Recruitment Events – Number of Community stands completed in the month of April to create awareness on the Garda Recruitment Campaign
  • Community Information events on 23/3/23 and 4/5/2023 in the Sligo Park Hotel and Bee Park Community Centre, Manorhamilton

This initiative is being rolled out by Leitrim Community Engagement Unit, Sligo Community Engagement Unit and Sligo/Leitrim Crime Prevention Office in conjunction with Sligo & Leitrim County Council’s, Healthy Ireland and Munitir Na Tire.  The aim of the fair was to bring the elderly and more vulnerable members of the community to a common location to increase their knowledge of services and supports available to them. An Garda Siochana hosted a community policing stand, a road safety stand and a crime prevention stand on the day. Talks were given by both Community Policing and Crime Prevention Sergeants.

  • International Women’s Day Event in The Clayton Hotel, Sligo on Wednesday 8th March 2023

Gardai held an event on International Women’s Day with key external stakeholders, DVAS, Rape Crisis Centre and Woman Support services to provide support to woman in the Sligo/Leitrim Division areas

  • Roads Policing Joint Day of Action took place on the February/March /April Bank Holiday Weekends

Roads Policing Units from Sligo /Leitrim and Donegal undertook a ‘Day of Action’ and completed a number of strategically placed high-visibility checkpoints and patrols along the main arterial route incorporating the N4, N15 and N13 through Counties Leitrim, Sligo Donegal. The overall objective was to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads and keep people safe

  • First Cyber Safety Workshops delivered to Post Primary Schools in Grange in February 2023 – this is a new local initiative delivered by Inspector Egan and CPD and Crime Prevention Officers in Sligo/Leitrim Division. There was a positive reception from all attendees
  • World Elder Abuse Day Event held with Ballymote Day Centre to raise awareness of elder abuse

County Sligo Crime Figures:

  • Organised Crime – 12 arrests made, 5 people charged with one person in the Special Criminal Court charged with directing a criminal organisation
  • €300k in drug seizures in Sligo
  • €132K recovered of controlled drugs – one person arrested
  • €126k theft – one person sentenced to 5 years
  • Harm to a member of An Garda Síochána – one person sentenced to 2 and a half years
  • Sale/supply of drugs – one person sentenced to 3 years

Councillor R. O’Grady thanked Chief Superintendent Glacken for his comprehensive update.

JPC Committee members commented as follows:

  • Events pertaining to Elder Abuse were positive and should be delivered throughout the County
  • Burglaries were on the increase
  • Clarity is required on the use of escooters
  • Recruitment of new recruits is an ongoing issue
  • Work on Community Engagement is very positive, particularly with initiatives for new arrivals
  • Age Friendly events should be an annual events

Chief Superintendent Glacken thanked members for their positive feedback and stated that legislation on the use of escooters is forthcoming and will provide guidance.  It was highlighted that the value of work/engagement with elder people and   youth should not be underestimated.

It was agreed that letters of congratulations should be sent to Sergeant P.J Gallagher and Garda Thomas McGuinness on being awarded Scott's Medals by the Garda Commissioner for their bravery.

 

4.TELESIS PROPERTY MARKING MACHINE

It was agreed that the Telesis Machine is a valuable resource for local communities.  It was highlighted that the machine is fragile and easily broken.

Chief Superintendent Glacken to discuss alternatives and possible funding sources with Mr. Martin Lydon. 

 

5.REQUEST FOR SLIGO JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE APPROVAL TO ROLLOUT THE SARA PROBLEM SOLVING MODEL FOR CALTRAGH CRESCENT, SLIGO

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney and seconded by Councillor A. Gibbons, and agreed.

 

6.NOTICE RECEIVED OF ISSUES TO BE RAISED:

(a) Deferred from December 2022 & March JPC Meetings - Received from Councillor T. Healy:
“To call on the Garda to carry out a speed check on the R290 from Collooney to Ballisodare and on the Ballisodare to Crowna Church on the N59.  Both are a major concern to residents regarding speed coming into Ballisodare village”

(b)  Deferred from December 2022 & March JPC Meetings - Received from Councillor T. Healy:                                  
“To ask if all Garda Stations and Garda patrol cars have defibrillators in them?  As this is an important part of First Aid that can save a life in a community or on the side of the road when Garda are on duty.  Is training given to all Garda on the use of a defibrillator and how this can save a life?”

Councillor T. Healy’s notices (a) and (b) were deferred to the next meeting in his absence.

(c) Deferred from March JPC Meeting - Received from Councillor M. Casserly:
“To ask how many members of AGS are absent from duty and unavailable for work due to an occupational related illness because of assaults or otherwise injured on duty in the Sligo/Leitrim Division. What is the time span of absence and does this impact on resource availability?”
Chief Superintendent Glacken stated that one member of An Garda Síochána was absent from duty as a result of an assault while on duty.  This impacts on resources.  An absentee rate policy is in place.

(d) Deferred from March JPC Meeting - Received from Councillor M. Casserly:
Policing Authority and the Garda Commissioner to seek explanations as to why The Garda Operating Model that was introduced as part of 'A Policing Service for the Future', which is the implementation plan based on the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, has failed to achieve what it set out to achieve and what evaluation had occurred to address this”
Chief Superintendent Glacken reported that the Garda Operating Model falls under The Department of An Taoiseach.  It is proposed to join Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim divisions in order to reduce administration. Business service functions are manned by admin staff, not Garda staff.  A review of the three County model is ongoing, further updates will be brought back to the Members.  Members agreed that this be kept on the Agenda for end of year.

(e) Deferred from March JPC Meeting - Received from Councillor S. Maguire:
“To seek a report regarding the need for a refuge in Sligo and to speak to the numbers reporting violence in the home”
Councillor S. Maguire’s item was deferred to the next meeting in her absence.

(f) Received from Councillor M. Casserly:
“To request that a new Dog Handling Unit be based in Sligo Leitrim Division as soon as resources allow”
Chief Superintendent Glacken reported that there is a dog and dog handler in each Garda Division.  A competition is ongoing for a dog handler and there is a dog unit based locally. Councillor M. Casserly welcomed this update.

 

7.REFERRED FOR DISCUSSION FROM PLENARY COUNCIL MEETINGS:

Referred for discussion from Plenary Council Meetings:

(a) Deferred from December 2022 & March JPC Meetings - Councillor T. Walsh’s Motion No. 28 referred for discussion from December’s Plenary Council Meeting:
“That Sligo County Council calls on the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner to provide the necessary resources in terms of Gardai and appropriate vehicles to the Sligo Roads Policing Unit. That the same be relayed also to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.”

This item was deferred in the absence of Councillor T. Walsh.

(b) Deferred from March JPC Meeting - Referred by Councillor D. Gilroy for an update on figures from December’s JPC Meeting - Motion No. 19 from November’s Plenary Council Meeting:
“That Sligo County Council report to members on how many road traffic collisions have occurred since the completion of the N4/N15 Sligo Urban Improvement Scheme on the N15 at the point north of the junction where two lanes are reduced to one before Circle K and to clearly identify which lane has priority at this merger as many road users appear to have different understandings of who should give way.”

Mr. M. Lydon stated that this had been dealt with at a Plenary Council Meeting.  Chief Superintendent Glacken stated that it was not an area of concern.

Councillor D. Gilroy stated that there were weekly backups of traffic at this location.

 

8. CORRESPONDENCE

Councillor M. Casserly and Mr. J. Molloy will attend the Northern and Western Regional Networking Event.

Councillor M. Casserly welcomed proposals to amend the law re: more strict and appropriate sentences in cases of assaults to members of An Garda Síochána.

 

9. ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEXT MEETING

Friday 29th September at 10.30am in the Council Chamber, Riverside

 

10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Ms. G. McGibbon gave the following updates:

  • The Purple Flag application has been submitted
  • Meeting have been held regarding antisocial behaviour – visibility of An Garda Siochana at the river area is positive
  • Sligo Ambassador for daytime/nighttime – 50 volunteers required
  • Recruitment of Nighttime Advisor role is ongoing
  • It is hoped to open the Tourist Office in Sligo on Friday and Saturday nights
  • Tourism Officer, Festival and Events Officer and Nighttime Advisor will work in partnership

Councillor T. Fox thanked everyone involved in the Calry Text Alert.

Councillor D. Gilroy hoped that a replacement for the recently retired member of An Garda Siochana in Grange would be imminent.

Chief Superintendent Glacken confirmed that the regional control centre for Sligo was based in Letterkenny. With visibility of all personnel, the centre can deploy the closest resources to an incident.  This is also the first region to have Garda Go Safe in place.

Councillor R. O’Grady thanked everyone for attending the meeting.

The business of the meeting concluded at 11.35am.

 


Meeting Date 30/06/2023