‘Cairde’ app brings new life to local text alerts systems

DIARMUID Cronin of Muintir na Tíre took members of the Joint Policing Committee through the ‘Cairde’ smartphone app recently, and he described the app as the next development in the text alerts system.

Mr Cronin explained that the app has been developed following research amongst community alert groups and the prevalence of smart-phones.

The app, which requires a €10 annual subscription, allows users to send alerts to members you choose to be within your network, and Gardaí. It also allows Gardaí to send alerts to app users.

Arguably its most crucial feature is a panic button, through which users can easily alert emergency services.

At the meeting in Cahersiveen, Mr Cronin took members through the app’s interface and showed a number of sample alerts.

“The smartphone era has put an end to the days of texts being limited to 160 characters,” he said, praising this as a positive development for community alert groups. “Messages can now include images, too, which is also very helpful,” he added.

The app’s interface offers users a choice of ten alert types, including antisocial behaviour, livestock on roads, missing persons or pets, or suspicious behaviour.

If a user chooses the emergency option, a large red ‘ button’ appears on screen, and pressing this allows one to send an emergency alert to Gardaí and members of their Cairde network.

The app is available on the App Store or Google Play. If one wishes to obtain further information, they can visit www.cairdeapp.ie or muintir. ie. Alternatively, one can phone (062) 51163 or visit the ‘Muintir na Tíre’ Facebook page.