Greystones garda patrols to be boosted
INCREASED garda patrols have been sanctioned in Greystones, County Wicklow, following reports of “suspicious approaches”.
In a statement issued by Bray District HQ, gardaí said they are following a “definite line of inquiry” and that extra patrols have now been sanctioned.
“We would like to advise members of the public to remain calm and report any concerns to gardaí at your local station or call 999 in emergency,” it added.
It follows investigations into two incidents which took place in Greystones, where a man allegedly approached a 13-year-old boy and tried to drag him into bushes, and a second incident where a man allegedly exposed himself to a young girl on her way to school.
Gardaí said enquiries are ongoing into the incidents, which took place on Friday, December 22, 2023 and Thursday, January 11, 2024.
Both incidents follow multiple, unconfirmed reports on social media in roughly the same location and of a similar nature. These reports have prompted calls for more awareness by residents in the community and also for people to boost their presence through the Neighbourhood Watch so people feel safer.
Local TD Jennifer Whitmore has also addressed the reports and raised residents’ concerns for their safety and that of their families.
“I have been contacted by a number of very concerned constituents regarding these worrying reports, and I will be raising this with the gardaí.
“We must do everything we can to ensure people feel safe in our community,” she said.
The Principal of Greystones Community College, Ruairí Farrell, said he has issued advice to parents.
“I can confirm I have been made aware of an incident that occurred on Mill Lane last week,” he said. “I am aware that local gardaí are investigating the matter.
“The school has written to parents to advise them to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour directly to Greystones gardaí.”
WICKLOW County Council are seeking volunteers to help out with the removal of sea buckthorn from Brittas Bay.
The event taking place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, will involve the cutting pack and removal of sea buckthorn, which is an invasive species, from the dune system as part of the Council’s ongoing conservation programme to enhance dune biodiversity and stability.
The work will focus on controlling the spread of young growth and most of the cutting will be undertaken using loppers. Equipment, gloves and full instruction will be provided on the day.
Sea buckthorn is a thorny shrub and work will be on uneven ground therefore old work clothes and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Anybody interested in participating is asked to register by email to wicklowheritage@wicklowcoco.ie. The meeting point is South Beach Car Park.