The issues that will decide votes: Cork is 'crying out for more policing'

Recent violence in Cork city has thrust law and order into the spotlight for the general election.

Community activist John Feighery, from Dunard, Mayfield, is one of many across the city who feel that law and order need to be central planks in the programme for government in the next Dáil.

Mr Feighery recently set up a fundraising initiative for his neighbour, Keith Greaney, who was badly injured in an assault at his home, which left him with serious burn injuries.

Two men have been charged in connection with the attack.

Mr Greaney had been in an induced coma following the attack but recently woke up and managed to speak with gardaí about the incident.

In the wake of the incident, Mr Feighery came together with other residents to set up a local fundraising effort to help Mr Greaney.

Now, Mr Feighery is adamant that the next government needs to address some key measures to help protect communities against crime in their areas.

He said: “We are all crying out for more policing. The way I see things, crime is everywhere and people are scared.”

He said people should not be fearful in their own area and wondered where will be next to be hit by a serious crime.

It follows six violent deaths in Cork in the past six months, as well as a number of serious assaults.

Mr Feighery continued: “People are scared to go outside their door, or even to open their door when someone comes. People are very cautious, especially late at night.”

He believes CCTV systems in residential areas are one of the key measures which would help to promote public safety.

He said: “CCTV footage should be set up at all entrances to residential estates. I do not care where the money comes from.”

He said rent from social housing stocks would go a long way in meeting the cost of such a measure while helping to promote the safety of people in residential estates.

Referring to Dunard estate, he said it is a horseshoe shape, adding that it would be easy to ensure coverage of the area by placing CCTV footage at the entrance.

Another measure he feels could be implemented in tackling crime is use of the army to “protect the country”.

He said such a measure would help meet any shortfall of gardaí in areas where extra resources are needed.

Cork city is currently awaiting an allocation of new gardaí from a new tranche due to graduate from Garda College in Templemore in the coming weeks.