Official launch of new Community Engagement Unit

The County Monaghan Community Engagement area is overseen by Inspector Ann-Marie Lardner

Cavan/Monaghan Community Engagement Unit had its official launch today in the presence of Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys and Chief Superintendent for the Division, Aidan Glacken

The unit, which came into being on May 17, sees the introduction of four dedicated community engagement units in County Cavan and County Monaghan covering each of the four Garda Districts in the Garda division- Cavan, Bailieborough, Monaghan and Carrickmacross.

The establishment of the dedicated community policing unit provides a framework for enhanced delivery of service to the communities of Cavan and Monaghan where duties will exclusively focus on improving the quality of life of people, reflective of their needs and priorities.

This divisional policing initiative will centre on working in partnership with the community in keeping our people safe, particularly concentrating on the most vulnerable, hard to reach groups and our youth demographic.

Speaking at today’s launch, Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken said: “I look forward to enhancing our community policing footprint going forward and embrace the opportunity for greater collaborative engagement with our partner agencies to meeting the diverse needs of our people in Cavan and Monaghan and to build stronger and safer communities.”

This new unit provides an enhanced service to the communities in Cavan and Monaghan and all four units engage with their respective communities in many different ways.

The community Gardaí attached to these units will continue to promote and develop on initiatives such as the Schools Programme, Business Watch, Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert.

In addition, community Gardaí attached to these units engage with the elderly and vulnerable and also offer support and guidance to families who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

Activities which these units have already conducted also include liaising with local charitable organisations on community initiatives. They have also held property marking days with further days planned over the coming months. The next takes place on July 10 from 1pm to 4pm at McNally’s Carpark adjacent to Monaghan Shopping Centre.

Regular community patrols have also been conducted providing reassurance and support to the public.

Each unit acts as a visible point of contact for the community and the unit works with the aim of developing positive relationships with the community.

The County Monaghan Community Engagement area is overseen by Inspector Ann-Marie Lardner.

Inspector Lardner has 20 years’ service, the majority of it serving in the Cavan/Monaghan Division.

In County Cavan Inspector Lionel Mullally will oversee the community engagement unit. Inspector Mullally has 30 years’ service in An Garda Síochána working in a variety of rural and urban settings throughout his career. He has worked closely with communities and organisations across the midlands in establishing crime prevention programmes for older people, residents’ groups and has worked closely with asylum seekers, the LGBT community, faith based communities and worked with agencies in preventing substance abuse and in helping those dealing with addiction.

In Bailieboro District the unit comprises of Sgt Stephen McCabe; Garda Maria  Glennon who will cover Mullagh, Virginia and Ballyjamesduff; Garda Lisa Stephens who will cover Bailieboro and Kingscourt; Garda Vincent Connell who will cover Cootehill and Shercock. Contact can be made with the Bailieboro Community Engagement Unit by calling 042-9694570.

While in the Cavan District Sgt Peter Fahy, Garda Cathal Buggy, Garda Christine Gallagher, Garda Seamus Herron and Garda Karen English will be attached to the community engagement unit. Contact can be made with the Cavan Community Engagement Unit by calling 049-4368800.

Gardaí serving the community of Monaghan District are Garda Stella Feeney, who will cover Clones Sub District; Garda Margaret Oliphant and Garda Seamus Bruen will cover the greater Monaghan area, while Garda Caroline Mc Kenna will cover the Emyvale/Scotstown sub district. All are experienced Gardaí. Contact can be made with the Monaghan Community Engagement Unit by calling 047-77200.

The Carrickmacross District community engagement Gardaí consist of Sgt Padraig Brennan; Garda Tracy Donaghy; Garda Fiona Callan who will cover Carrickmacross which encompasses Killanny, Inniskeen, Corduff, Donaghmoyne, Magheracloone, Carrickmacross town and all surrounding townlands. Contact can be made with the Carrickmacross Community Engagement Unit by calling 042-9690190.

Meanwhile the unit the Castleblayney Sub District the community engagement unit comprises of Sgt Tom Millar; Garda Darren Mullin; Garda Nicola Dolan; and Garda James Gallagher. Contact can be made with the Castleblayney Community Engagement Unit by calling 042-9740668.