Donegal Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin look forward to Lifford Public Meeting

Published: 23 June, 2006

Sinn Féin Cllr Tony McDaid has welcomed the proposed public meeting due to take place this coming week in response to a commitment made last April by the Gardai to pass on concerns expressed at the lack of adequate response to anti-social behaviour in the town.

Cllr McDaid said:

"I am pleased to confirm that this meeting will take place next week. This will be an opportunity for local people and concerned stakeholders to receive feedback concerning the issues that were raised at our last public meeting. We also hope this meeting will give us the chance to set up a steering group to adopt a 'community safety strategy', which was agreed at an earlier County Council meeting. The motion had been passed as a result of the serious incidents that have become all too familiar in the area.

"I have already spoken with the local youth outreach project who have expressed a willingness to become involved in a local strategy and I would like to encourage people from the community, voluntary sectors, concerned groups or individuals to attend this meeting and actively get involved in the safety strategy.

"This meeting will take place in the same week that Lifford man, Shay Given, will be accorded the County's highest honour in recognition of his contribution to sport at local, national and international level. He will be given a special new medal at a civic reception hosted by Donegal County Council on Monday. I believe that Shay Given's return will instil a sense of pride in many young people who see him as a role model and ambassador for Donegal.


"It is important that this meeting takes place and it also comes at an opportune time as anti-social behaviour once again rears its head. This was clearly shown with the attack on Lifford National School over the June bank holiday weekend. The meeting is open to the public and it is expected we will receive substantial feedback regarding the concerns previously expressed by residents as well as details regarding policing in and around the Lifford area."