Garda resources at Bellanaboy should be redeployed into fight against crime – Ó Snodaigh

Garda resources at Bellanaboy should be redeployed into fight against crime – Ó Snodaigh
mayo | rights and freedoms | press release Thursday October 11, 2007 17:20 by DSF
€8.1million has been spent on the operation to police the protests at Bellanaboy
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has slammed the extentof the Garda operation at Bellanaboy County Mayo after it was revealedthat €8.1million has been spent to date on Garda resources to policedemonstrations against the Shell Gas pipeline. Deputy Ó Snodaigh saidthese valuable Garda resources would be better deployed in the fightagainst crime.

Garda resources at Bellanaboy should be redeployed into fight againstcrime – Ó SnodaighFor immediate release 11th October 2007Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has slammed the extentof the Garda operation at Bellanaboy County Mayo after it was revealedthat €8.1million has been spent to date on Garda resources to policedemonstrations against the Shell Gas pipeline. Deputy Ó Snodaigh saidthese valuable Garda resources would be better deployed in the fightagainst crime.Speaking today he said, “In response to a Sinn Féin Parliamentaryquestion Justice Minister Brian Lenihan revealed that €8.1million has sofar been spent on the operation to police the protests at Bellanaboy inCounty Mayo. It is our understanding that this figure may be even higheras it may not include all aspects of policing allocations such asovertime.“The people of Mayo have the right to protest without being harassed byan overwhelming and unnecessary force of Gardaí. And make no mistake –they are not keeping peace in Bellanaboy – they are harassing andbullying protesters while supporting the multi-national corporationShell.“This is a completely irresponsible and wasteful use of valuable Gardaresources. These resources would be much better used in the fightagainst serious drug and gun crime which is claiming lives on an almostweekly basis. I am calling on the Minister to review the Gardaoperation at Bellanaboy with a view to redeploying Gardaí to where theyare most needed.“There also needs to be a review of existing approaches to policing atdemonstrations. This should include seeking external human rightsexpertise to roll out training for all Gardaí engaged in such policing.Gardaí should always endeavour to engage positively with the organisersof demonstrations prior to them taking place so that they can befacilitated with minimal Garda presence.
Related Link: http://www.sinnfein.ie