M'tbellew sets up Community Alert

A WELL-ATTENDED meeting, facilitated by Deputy Paul Connaughton, was held in Mountbellew on Monday night, with a view to setting up a Community Alert Committee in the area. Mountbellew and the surrounding areas have experienced a number of break-ins over the past few years, leading to considerable anxiety and fear, particularly among older people, and impacting on the business community.[private] Speakers included Inspector Mick O'Dwyer, Tuam, Sergeant Tom Horkan, Ballinasloe and Mountbellew-based Garda Donal Hallinan. Bernie Kearney, representing Muintir na Tíre, also spoke at the meeting. An interim committee comprising Chairman Anthony Fox, Vice Chairman Gerry Hughes, Secretary Maura Hannon and Treasurers Barry Finnegan and Peadar Briggs was elected and a representative from each townland selected. Deputy Connaughton said he was very impressed with the contributions by An Garda Síochána and Bernie Kearney and he believed that the enthusiasm displayed bodes well for the future.[/private]