Seoige: Fianna Fáil Will Combat Rural Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Galway West

Gráinne Seoige, Fianna Fáil's General Election candidate for Galway West, has said Fianna Fáil plans will tackle rural crime in Connemara and anti-social behaviour across the constituency.

Seoige said the party's manifesto contains practical, focused measures aimed at enhancing public safety and restoring community confidence.

"We have had over 14 years of a Fine Gael Minister for Justice, and it is time for a new direction in how crime is addressed in Galway and Ireland," the Spiddal native said. "Fianna Fáil will provide that change.

"Every individual deserves to feel safe in their home and community. Fianna Fáil has a clear plan to address rural crime and anti-social behaviour with targeted action and increased resources."

Key Commitments to Address Rural Crime in Connemara

1. Enhanced Garda Resources and Visibility:
   • Recruit additional Gardaí, prioritising deployment to rural areas like Connemara.
   • Invest in Garda equipment and vehicles to ensure faster response times in remote areas.
2. Community-Based Policing:
   • Strengthen Community Alert schemes and expand rural CCTV coverage.
   • Introduce mobile Garda stations to increase Garda presence in rural communities.
3. Support for Rural Development:
   • Launch a Rural Communities Initiative to integrate community safety into wider development projects, ensuring rural areas are well-supported and secure.

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour Across Galway West

1. Community Engagement and Prevention:
   • Invest in youth diversion programmes, sports initiatives, and education schemes to prevent anti-social behaviour before it occurs.
   • Enhance local urban safety measures through the Urban Communities Initiative, focusing on high-risk areas.
2. Focused Law Enforcement:
   • Strengthen penalties for repeat offenders and improve enforcement in areas with persistent anti-social behaviour issues.

Seoige concluded: "Rural communities like Connemara have unique needs, and Galway city's growing population requires focused solutions to urban challenges. Fianna Fáil's plan provides a balanced, effective approach to tackle these issues head-on. Together, we can build safer communities across Galway West."