Latest news with #MunicipalDistrict


Irish Independent
6 hours ago
- Irish Independent
New CCTV cameras on hold awaiting Garda code of practice
In a written reply to a motion by Cllr Dominic Finn, Divisional Manager Kevin Morey said that the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 was enacted and signed into law by the President in December 2023. However, a commencement order authorising community CCTV has not yet been signed and can't be until An Garda Síochána submit a code of practice governing the installation and operation of a CCTV scheme. 'There is no deadline in the legislation for the completion of this code of practice, therefore we await guidelines,' Mr Morey said. Section 6 of the new act repealed the current authorisation process for community CCTV provided in the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and no new schemes can go ahead until the new code of practice is submitted and the commencement order is signed. This month's meeting of the West Cork Municipal District heard of anti-social behaviour at the Rock Amenity Park in Skibbereen where vandals were smashing bottles on the ground, leaving broken glass strewn around. Cllr Brendan McCarthy called for the installation of a CCTV camera to curb the problem. 'We need to install a camera at the location to root out the people doing this up there. A pole is in place as part of the redevelopment of the site for the specific purpose of putting a camera on it,' Cllr McCarthy said. 'The Gardaí have also stated that they have no issue with a camera or cameras being installed there, in fact they would roundly welcome their installation to stop this horrible behaviour.' However, a Council official responded that the local authority can't install any new CCTV systems until the new code of practice is circulated.


Sunday World
a day ago
- Sunday World
Councillors shocked at footage of naked man outside asylum centre
Video footage of the incident shot by bystanders from the footpath and from passing vehicles has been widely spread on social media since it happened on Saturday, June 14. District councillors in Wicklow have called for greater lines of communication with the local engagement team after a man was recently found running naked outside an asylum centre in the town. Video footage of the incident shot by bystanders from the footpath and from passing vehicles has been widely spread on social media since it happened on Saturday, June 14. The footage captures a completely nude male running along the middle of the road outside the IPAS centre at the Grand Hotel. He appears to be in a disorientated and agitated state. The Grand Hotel in Wicklow town. Photo: Michael Kelly News in 90 Seconds - June 27th Speaking during the June meeting of Wicklow Municipal District, independent councillor John Snell called on his district colleagues to work collectively to help alleviate concerns when these incidents happen. He stressed the need for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide information about what happened to the individual in question and asked newly elected cathaoirleach Graham Richmond to write to the relevant Minister seeking clarity on the matter. He also raised concern about how the footage appeared online before elected representatives were informed about what happened and suggested a better strategy is needed to monitor certain comments and activities online. In agreement councillor Paul O'Brien issued a word of caution about how the issue is dealt with and cited the difficulty in trying to manage social media accounts and open forums. Councillor Gail Dunne added it was important that residents in the town feel safe and that such incidents don't become a common reoccurrence. The male in question has since been arrested for public order offences and was brought to Wicklow Garda Station, where he was held in custody. He was charged with several offences, which are due before the courts. He is currently receiving care at Newcastle Hospital after being sectioned under the mental health act. Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme


Sunday World
a day ago
- Sunday World
Sadness in Kerry at death of teenager (17) in horse-riding accident
It is believed the 17-year girl was horse-riding when the accident occurred on Thursday evening There is wide-spread shock and sadness in Kerry following the news that a teenager has died in a tragic accident. The accident is understood to have occurred at her home just outside Killarney town on the main Tralee road at Rockfield. The teenager has been named locally as Isabel O'Callaghan, a teenager at St Brigid's Secondary School in Killarney. The late Isabelle O'Callaghan News in 90 Seconds - June 27th It is believed the 17-year girl was horse-riding when the accident occurred on Thursday evening. Fr Kieran O'Brien said the entire community is shocked at the death of a such a young person whose life was cut short 'doing something she loved'. "We have heard she was an outstanding individual who loved horse and it was a freak accident that claimed her life dong what she loved doing.' "We offer our prayers and support to the family at this difficult time and to her fellow teenagers,' he said. The family are well known in business in the town of Killarney as the owners of Killarney Coaches. Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District Cllr Martin Grady said the news is devastating. "It is an awful tragedy. There are no words,' he said. He said Isabel has a great passion for horses and she was doing what she loved most when the accident occurred. Local councillors also offered their condolences to the O'Callaghan family at this morning's Municipal District Meeting. The HSA is aware of the incident and has launched an investigation.


Irish Independent
20-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
New Ross unveils new age friendly car parking spaces – ‘It makes the town more accessible and welcoming'
Taking place in New Ross, the spaces were officially launched this week by Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, in the presence of district members and council officials. These dedicated parking spaces are designed to promote inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that older residents and those with mobility challenges can easily access the town's amenities and services. The initiative reflects the town's ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive community where everyone can participate fully in town life. Speaking at the unveiling, New Ross District Manager, Alan Fitzhenry, said: 'We are thrilled to introduce these age friendly parking spaces, which help in making New Ross a more accessible and welcoming place for all. Initiatives like this demonstrate our dedication to supporting residents of all ages and abilities, and we are proud to champion inclusivity in our community. "Thanks to Niamh Bolger, the age friendly programme manager with Wexford County Council, for her support on this project and to the area engineer, David Murphy, for completing the works.' Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council, Cllr Bridín Murphy said: 'It is with great pleasure that I unveil these new age friendly parking spaces in New Ross town today, as my last official task as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District. These spaces, strategically located to provide easier access to essential services and amenities, are a small but meaningful step towards enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the district. "I want to thank Niamh Bolger, age friendly officer with Wexford County Council, for funding this initiative, as well as the district engineer, David Murphy, for installing the spaces. I encourage all motorists to respect these courtesy spaces, together we can create a more inclusive New Ross that truly caters to the needs of all residents.' A Wexford County Council spokesperson added: 'The new spaces are part of a broader effort by the district to enhance accessibility in the town, aligning with the national Age-Friendly Ireland Programme. New Ross Municipal District is committed to continuing such initiatives to ensure New Ross remains a vibrant, inclusive place to live, work, and visit.'


Irish Independent
18-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Supervisor to be appointed to Tipperary cemetery where ‘monstrous' headstones have been erected
Councillors raised issues with anti-social behaviour at Cormac's Cemetery in Cashel at last month's Municipal District meeting, with one councillor saying that 'monstrous' headstones were being erected at nighttime to avoid detection. Speaking to the Irish Independent at the time, Cashel councillor Liam Browne said that Tipperary County Council's burial ground by-laws weren't being enforced. "We have Tipperary County Council burial by-laws and to be quite frank, what I said at the meeting was that they're being ignored. "They're not just being ignored by the people putting up the headstones, which are out of size and scale for what they should be, but they're also being ignored by the council who should be policing the headstones that go in, and once they go in, there seems to be an acceptance by the council that there's nothing they can do about it,' Cllr Browne said. Now, as a result of ongoing issues at the graveyard, Tipperary County Council have confirmed that a full-time graveyard supervisor will be appointed to patrol both Cormac's Cemetery in Cashel and St Michael's Cemetery in Tipperary town. "As part of improving the experience at the Cemetery, and in discussions with the council, we have now been informed that a full time graveyard supervisor will be appointed, who will divide their time between Cormac's Cemetery and St Michael's in Tipperary town,' Cllr Browne said in a post on social media. "As people are aware, there have been many issues that need to be dealt with at Cormac's Cemetery, and it is something I feel is hugely important to get to the bottom of,' he added. It is hoped that the appointment of the graveyard supervisor will address issues of anti-social behaviour, as well as enabling people with mobility issues to use the graveyard more easily. "We will now be able to get the gates open at certain times, where people will be able to get in to visit their loved ones graves,' Cllr Browne said. "It won't happen immediately as there are some other issues to get sorted out first, but it's a good step in the right direction,' the Cashel-based councillor added.