Laois community group honoured for 40 years of ‘alert’ services

MUINTIR na Tíre, which this year marks four decades of dedicated community alert services in the county, was celebrated and honoured at a cathaoirleach’s reception in county hall, Portaoise earlier this week.

Community alert is a community safety programme for rural areas, with an emphasis on older and vulnerable people. The service operates as a partnership between the community, An Garda Síochána and Muintir na Tíre. It works on the principle of shared responsibility for crime prevention, community safety and care.

The event was hosted by cathaoirleach of Laois Co Council cllr Barry Walsh and attended by cllrs Ollie Clooney, John Joe Fennelly and Ben Brennan, representing the county’s three municipal districts, as well as cllr Paddy Buggy and cllr James Kelly. Also present were deputy Sean Fleming, Laois Co Council’s director of services Donal Brennan, senior executive officer Pamela Tynan, Paula Hillman, assistant commissioner, eastern region, supt Brian Farrell, members of An Garda Síochána and community alert groups in Laois.

Speaking at the reception, cllr Barry Walsh said: “Community alert in Laois has a strong history, with dedicated groups spanning the county. From Mountmellick to Durrow and Borris-in-Ossory to Ballylinan, groups are empowered to work in partnership with local gardaí, ensuring the vision of community alert is realised. The 40th anniversary is a great opportunity to reflect on the huge impact that community alert has in achieving that vision of safety in towns and villages across the county.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of Laois Muintir na Tíre for their hard work, commitment and dedication. Community alert has been a success story and we congratulate you on your 40th anniversary and wish you continued success in the future.” Rosie Palmer, chief executive officer of Muintir na Tíre, was presented with a certificate of achievement and an engraved silver salver in recognition of the organisation’s enduring service. Accepting the reward, Ms Palmer said: “My sincere thanks to cathaoirleach Barry Walsh for this honour to mark 40 years of community alert, a partnership between Muintir na Tíre, An Garda Síochána and communities across Laois. As a proud Laois woman, it is an honour to be here to recognise the work done by this partnership. We look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure communities in Laois and across the country are vibrant places to live, socialise, raise a family and grow old in.”