THERE is no recognition locally of the amount of taxes paid in the Askeaton area.
This is the view of Fianna Fail councillor Kevin Sheahan who maintains that the taxes paid by companies such as Aughinish Alumina, Wyeth Nutritionals and the Shannon Foynes Port Company, along with their employees, are not reflected in the monies reinvested back into the area.
Cllr Sheahan pointed out at this Monday’s Adare-Rathkeale municipal district meeting that there is not a fully operational Garda station along the N69 despite Foynes being recognised as one of the three principal ports in Ireland.
He is now calling on the government and acting Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner, that Askeaton Garda Station be fully staffed at the first available opportunity.
Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary seconded Cllr Sheahan’s motion.
Antisocial behaviour, he claimed, was a source of concern for law-abiding citizens in Askeaton.
“It is not adequately policed. There is nothing like the uniform walking the streets,” he commented.
Independent councillor Emmett O’Brien believes that a 24-hour presence is needed in the town. He also mooted the idea of more civilian input into the station’s operation and retired Gardaí returning to the force as auxiliary police officers.
“There should have been a more concerted response from our national TDs on this issue. We’ve been let down by the government,” Cllr O’Brien concluded.
by Alan Jacques
