Concerns over increase in hate crimes
HATE crimes and racism should not be allowed to seep into the community, last week’s meeting of the Dundalk Joint Policing Committee was told.
Cllr Kevin Meenan outlined how he had been involved in a Peace 4 programme last year working to create multi-cultural awareness, working with Black, white, Traveller and Muslim kids.
‘I am aware of serious incidents of fighting and tension,’ he state, recalling incidents which had taken place around a fast food restaurant and schools last year, which were all dealt with speedily and effectively by the gardai.
He wanted to know if Gardai were recording instances of hate crime in the district and also asked if there were any conflict resolution programmes, warning:‘I think it will increase in the next few years.’
Supt Gerry Curley confirmed that ‘ hate crime is an issue’. He said that there an issue around schools last year which was dealt with through the Juvenile Liasion Officer and Community Gardai.
The problem had surfaced again, not so much around schools, but in recent weeks and it was something that they were very concerned about and were dealing with it. He stressed the need to have meetings with community leaders and revealed that there had been a serious incident in the last couple of weeks which was before the court.
Chief Supt Christ Managan acknowledged that ‘ hate crime can be very difficult’ and warned that it shouldn’t be allowed to seep into society or community.
Cllr Meehan had also asked what lines of contact do the gardai have with the Traveller community and Chief Supt Mangan said the gardai engage with Pavee Point regarding Traveller mediation if there is a dispute. ‘ The relationship is very good and we value their assistance.’
Cllr Tomas Sharkey complained that he had written to the gardai 14 months ago requesting a meeting in his role as school principal regarding tensions and serious issues around racism which were brewing in the town of Dundalk but he received no response. Supt Curley replied that the issues had been dealt with. He added that he hadn’t seen Cllr Sharkey’s letter.