More Garda patrols have been initiated along popular walkways in Kerry following the shocking attack and killing of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
Additional Gardai on the beat have been assigned to several areas in the county to ensure greater public safety, particularly between the hours of 2.00pm and 9.00pm which are popular times for walkers.
A meeting of the Kerry Joint Policing Committee heard that areas like the canal and the town park in Tralee as well as the millennium walk are being closely monitored by members of the force with additional Gardai on the beat when walkers are out and about.
“It’s all about ensuring safety in the community and we intend to do our best to create that feeling of safety,” said Superintendent Fearghal Pattwell.
Cllr Niall Kelleher, who chairs the Joint Policing Committee, asked Gardai to ensure additional patrols are also included for Killarney, especially in areas like the national park, the Fossa Way and the new Flesk walkway and cycleway, linking Muckross Road and Ross Road.
Superintendent Flor Murphy said Gardai in Killarney are very conscious of the importance of maintaining strong visibility on the streets as well as in the national park and other scenic areas.
”It gives that reassurance that people can come and enjoy themselves. We want people to know that Killarney is a safe place to visit, to socialise in and to work in,” he said.
The meeting heard that a number of safety initiatives are also continuing including the such as the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign – which is the code to allows people to discreetly alert bar staff that they are in an uncomfortable situation – and the ‘See Something Say Something’ project which ensures a fast Garda response to calls from members of the public who are witnessing a crime.
