Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has called for a collective response to ensure Cork city remains a safe place to live, shop, visit and work. Deputy Buttimer was speaking after a meeting of the Cork City Centre Business Community Safety Forum.
“Latest crime statistics for Cork City show a reduction in property crime, theft, criminal damage and public order offences. These are very welcome developments. Figures show that the number of assaults causing harm across the city division has fallen by 20%; however the number of assaults in the city centre has increased. Compared to the same period last year this year’s figures are up by 26%, albeit from a low base.
“The city centre is a vibrant place to live, socialise and work, it is a place where people feel safe. Despite this it is disappointing that the number of assaults in the city centre has increased; this is a trend that must be reversed. We all have a collective social responsibility to address the underlying causes.
“These figures were provided by the Gardaí at a meeting of the City Centre Business Community Safety Forum. Gardaí suggested that the increase was due to the use of alcohol and other accelerants, it is a sign of increased aggression on our streets late at night.
“In Cork the Gardaí have increased their visibility in the city centre at key times. If it wasn’t for this proactive policing approach I fear that the trend would be worse. I commend the Gardaí for the work they are doing across the city, it is in the interest of everyone working and living in the city that this continues.
“Locally we must take action to make our streets even safer. There must be continued engagement between the Council, Gardaí, alcohol retailers and security companies. Co-operation and common purpose are essential in addressing the problems. As an immediate step the city bye laws on the confiscation of alcohol being consumed on the streets must be implemented. These initiatives are essential to enhancing our city, making it a better place to live, shop, work and visit.”
“As a society we must change our attitudes towards alcohol. Over the years our alcohol consumption has increased, as a result alcohol related illnesses no longer only affect middle-aged and older people. Healthcare workers are now seeing the impact of excessive use among younger adults. To address these issues we must change our national attitude towards alcohol, we must end our tolerance of alcohol misuse.
“Earlier this year I launched a report on the misuse of alcohol and other drugs, this highlighted the social problems caused by misuse. As chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children I have begun a process of engagement with Minister of State, Roisín Shortall TD, in developing policy based on the Committee’s report and that of the National Steering Group. Key elements in this policy will be controlling alcohol promotion and pricing.”