Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There has been a big increase in antisocial behaviour in Clonmel and the surrounding areas in recent weeks. This has been brewing for a number of years. Gardaí are doing their best but their resources are limited. We have now got to the stage where a young farmer was beaten so badly this week that he almost died. There is a fear within the community, across Clerihan, Lisronagh and Powerstown, about this and about the inaction there. Members of the Garda are under pressure themselves but there is a real fear within the community now. We try to promote stronger, safer communities and this is a prime example of good rural people who need to be protected and safe in their community.

A big meeting is to be held tonight at Moyle Rovers GAA club, in Moanroe, that everyone is asked to attend. I have been working with Councillors John FitzGerald and Michael Murphy and we have been talking to a great many of the concerned residents of the villages and the surrounding area. Members of the Garda, public representatives and members of the public will be there. I suggest that, following that meeting, along with me and Councillors Michael Murphy and John FitzGerald, the Minister might meet a delegation of the group that will be there tonight. There is real concern. This is a beautiful area just outside Clonmel. The residents should not have to be in fear of their lives because of the actions of a minority group of people. Everyone in the area knows who is involved in these acts of terrorising and assaulting people. We really need the opportunity to meet with the Minister, Deputy McEntee. I ask Senator Kyne, in his capacity as acting Leader today, to support me in arranging a meeting with the Minister and a select delegation of the group that will be at the meeting tonight, along with Councillors Michael Murphy and John Fitzgerald.