National Association for the Promotion

Rural Ireland Fights Back

All over the country with Garda Stations closing and aggravated burglaries on the rise, the fear within communities is palpable. But old- fashioned community spirit coupled with modern technology people are making a difference.

Rural communities are attending meetings in unprecedented numbers to work closely with Muintir Na Tire and An Garda Siochana to set up Community Text Alert Initiatives in their area. The sole reason for this is that they want to stay one step ahead in the fight against rural crime. Those living in the countryside want to reduce the number of rural robberies, many of them vulnerable people, which can have a harrowing affect on their friends and neighbours.

Muintir Na Tire’s founder Canon John Hayes said the following all of 70 years ago: “ You can pray over the kettle for as long as you like, but unless you plug it in, it will never boil.” Communities across the country are doing just that. With the backdrop of rising rural crime rates and the closure of rural Garda Stations, communities need to empower themselves to protect and safeguard their way of life. In response to the increasing rates in rural crime Muintir Na Tire in partnership with An Garda Siochana have developed a crime prevention program involving texting.

On the 17th of May 2013, the Community Text Alert Initiative was launched in the Killenaule Sports Complex, Kilenaule, Co. Tipperary. TV3 midweeks programme televised a report on Wednesday the 22nd of May in relation to this launch. If you would like to watch this programme, click on the following link TV3 Midweek Programme- Muintir Na Tíre Community Text Alert Report