Gardaí to host ‘National Community Engagement Day’

An Garda Síochána are inviting everyone to a ‘meet and greet’ opportunity at more than 300 venues across the country, including eight in Westmeath on Friday January 31.

Local officers, IFA branch representatives and representatives from community groups involved in the National Rural Safety Forum will engage with the community.

It is an opportunity for people to get to know their local gardaí and local community representatives, and all are welcome.

Assistant Commissioner Orla McPartlin, Garda Community Relations Bureau, said: “An Garda Síochána is delighted to partner with our key stakeholders in the National Rural Safety Forum in organising a National Community Engagement Day.

“This event will provide an opportunity for communities across Ireland to meet and become familiar with their local gardaí and other Community Organisation representatives.

An Garda Síochána will take this opportunity to listen to the policing needs of our communities so that we can continue to deliver on our mission – Keeping People Safe.”

This National Community Engagement Day is designed to achieve the collaborative objective of increased community engagement and community reassurance throughout Ireland.

The day is supported by members of CSNA (Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association) and RGDATA (Retail Grocery Dairy and Allied Trade Association) nationally.

Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA, said: “The Conv CSNA welcome this worthwhile initiative and we would like to commend all parties involved in National Community Engagement Day which our members will be supporting fully.

“CSNA represent more than 1,500 convenience store owners, newsagents and forecourt operators nationwide, many of whom are based in rural Ireland where we believe this initiative will be most effective.

“Our commitment to supporting our members on all matters security and otherwise in their communities is unwavering. With the support of An Garda Síochána, the IFA and the National Rural Safety Forum, our association will endeavour to engage with and support local communities nationwide to strive for a safer Ireland.”

Tara Buckley of RGDATA added: “RGDATA members operate shops and supermarkets in every town, village and community throughout Ireland and are happy to support this initiative to bring local people together with the gardaí to work together to make our communities safer and to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour,”

Westmeath locations

Harbour Place Shopping Centre, Mullingar, noon-2pm

Tesco Mullingar, 4pm

Tesco Castlepollard 11am-noon

McLaughlins Hardware, Kilbeggan noon-1pm

Tesco Kinnegad 11am-noon

Amber Filling Station, Tyrrellspass, 5pm

Grennans, Main Street, Moate 10.30am-11.30am

Homeland Agri Store, Moydrum Industrial Estate, Athlone, 3pm