Rural people in fear of roaming gangs

RURAL people are living in fear of being attacked in their own homes by gangs of roaming criminals, according to the national council of a leading farm body.

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) has called for additional rural policing to tackle the threat of assault and has requested a meeting with Justice Minister Michael McDowell. The association has also written to Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy seeking a meeting to discuss the establishment of special Garda Rural Mobile Units to confront these roaming gangs.

While praising the work of gardaí in rural divisions, ICMSA president Pat O’Rourke said more needed to be done.