Republican News · Thursday 9 May 2002

Ellis proposes Community Wardens

In response to growing concerns about street crime and anti-social behaviour, Sinn Féin Councillor Dessie Ellis has said that part of the solution lies with Community Wardens.

"We already have Council Traffic Wardens, Litter Wardens and even Dog Wardens," he said. "I am proposing that Dublin City Council should employ Community Wardens to help tackle the growing crime wave, where the long-term answer is to be found in the community.

"It is impossible for the Gardaí to be everywhere and see and know everything. Community Wardens could liaise between Gardaí and local people and would have a lot of detailed local knowledge and presence. They would help harness the whole community in the fight against crime and drug dealing.

"In areas like Ballymun, where massive building works sometimes causes tension between builders and local residents, Community Wardens could benefit both by providing security for heavy machinery, while making sure that proper health and safety procedures are followed."