Group pictured during the vigil in Bridgetown. Pic: Jim Campbell
APPROXIMATELY 50 people from across South Wexford gathered at the community field in Bridgetown on Friday night for a peaceful demonstration against a growing local crime wave.
The event saw men, women and children turn out to hold a vigil with signs brandishing slogans such as ‘Crime on the Rise – Protect Rural Ireland’ and ‘Rural Ireland needs more gardai’.
Cllr. Mick Roche, organiser of the event said he hoped that both local and national government would finally see the fear and frustration of ordinary people, who were faced with an escalating series of crimes, and act to tackle the problem.
“People are at the end of their tether. They see nothing being done to tackle the escalating crime wave which is devastating South Wexford. Garda stations in rural areas have either been closed or are only manned part-time. The perpetrators of these crimes have no fear of State retribution and are becoming more bold and outrageous in their acts.”
Friday’s event comes on the back of a series of incidents around the Bridgetown area including a number of burglaries and a stabbing incident during a house party in the centre of the village.
But Cllr. Roche says that it is not just a problem in his local community: “Cuts to Garda services and a dramatic increase in crime in recent years has left rural communities feeling isolated and vulnerable. Community Alert initiatives are positive but need funding and support from local government. A coordinated response is needed and it’s high time that the State stands by stranded rural communities.”
He added that he hoped the public demonstrations would draw some much needed attention to the situation and perhaps prompt for some action to be taken.
A further event will take place on October 2 at 7 p.m. at the Community Field and other communities are encouraged to come along and join in, as well as replicating the event in their own areas.
“We need to send the message that we will not tolerate a situation where our most vulnerable are living in fear,” said Cllr. Roche.
