Residents from across Letterkenny attended a public meeting on Monday to discuss recent issues of anti-social behaviour.
The meeting was organised with the aim of connecting residents, particularly those in the Long Lane area, and seek real solutions to the problem of random attacks, break-ins and criminal damage.
Over 60 people were in attendance including Area Manager, Gerry Hone of Tusla, Letterkenny Community Garda, Ann Marie McGrath and Sergeant Paul Wallace, and Garvin Walker of Foróige.
The open discussion was praised as a positive step to empowering residents to work together to end crime.
Taking Back Our Community public meeting at the Doorway Project
Community activist and organiser of the meeting, Finn O’Donnell said, “This meeting was a huge success and I think many people have been truly informed and truly empowered by the event. Many residents who have never spoke to each other have come together and started talking to one another and its brought back a small bit community spirit in the place which is just brilliant. I want to thank Tusla, the Gardai and Foroige for attending this meeting tonight also.”
Some residents stated, “this feels like the start of something new. We feel like we can make change in our community for the first time in a long long time.”
Others said: “It’s wonderful to finally meet some of the other residents in my area. I never talk with any of them at all which is a shame and coming here tonight gave me that chance and I’m happy I did come.”
The meeting concluded with proposals and solutions to deter anti social behaviour such as to positively engage and encourage the youth of the area develop projects to involve young people within communities throughout Letterkenny and to have more connection with other residents within the communities.
A follow up meeting will take in place in the coming weeks for more residents to get involved and have their concerns heard.
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