Waterford civic leaders unite to condemn recent demonstrations
Waterford’s political leaders, local authority chief and most senior Garda have combined in response to recent anti-Roma protests in the city.
Cllr James Tobin, Mayor of Waterford City & County; Cllr Lola O’Sullivan, Mayor of Waterford Metropolitan District and Waterford’s Oireachtas members - Paudie Coffey TD, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government; Ciara Conway TD; Senator David Cullinane; Senator Maurice Cummins; John Deasy TD and John Halligan TD – have joined with Michael Walsh, CEO, Waterford City & County Council and Chief Superintendent Pat Murphy, An Garda Síochána, Waterford following incidents on the nights of October 25 and 26 which have generated widespread media coverage and commentary.
Protest in Waterford tonight. http://t.co/n2T3iaoP1x pic.twitter.com/H7FGrWdkqJ
— Beat 102 103 (@beat102103) October 25, 2014
The following ststement was agreed by the group of 10 civic leaders: “Waterford is a safe and welcoming city.
“It has the lowest rate of recorded crime of any comparably-sized urban centre in the country and does not have a particularly widespread problem of street crime and anti-social behaviour as some commentary around the recent night-time assemblies has suggested.
“Over the last two years, reported crimes against the person and public disorder in Waterford city centre continued to decline with all reported crimes against the person decreasing by 18% to 293 so far in 2014 compared with the same period last year and a detection rate of 59%.
“All reported crimes are fully investigated, with a detection rate in Waterford of 75% for violent crime - well ahead of the national average.
“An Garda Síochána work with communities to protect the quality-of-life in Waterford with the prevention and detection of crime and anti-social behaviour among their core functions. They continually prosecute offenders in court where convictions may result in custodial sentences.
“There can be no tolerance for people who take the law into their own hands or target any particular group who they allege are involved in wrongdoing.
“Aside from the risk of harm being done and crimes being committed, there is also a real danger of prejudicing future prosecutions.
Drivers are advised to avoid The Manor in Waterford due to a protest in the area! pic.twitter.com/cBPolOhUeO
— Beat 102 103 (@beat102103) October 25, 2014
“Gardaí must continue to be supported by all to do their work in policing Waterford fairly, effectively and transparently. Without fear or favour, they will continue to work hard at preventing and investigating all types of crime, including racial discrimination.
“Waterford’s national reputation has been damaged by recent events generating intense print, broadcast and online media focus.
“This is especially disappointing as economic recovery begins to take hold locally and Waterford is promoted with growing success as a destination for investors and visitors alike.”
