BURTONPORT is to get a dedicated Garda officer for the first time in seven years as Arranmore islanders aim for a peaceful summer.
The increased police presence comes following what one local councillor described as “a series of alcohol-fuelled anti-social incidents” over the June bank holiday weekend.
One person had to be airlifted off the island after falling while another individual was arrested. A number of fines were also handed out after locals complained of people urinating in gardens, fighting and banging on passing cars.
The activity prompted a public meeting of residents at which Garda Richard Quigley confirmed that he will be stationed in Burtonport for the next six months – the first time since 2014 an officer has been appointed to the port from where the ferry to Arranmore sails.
During Thursday’s meeting islanders said they wanted to get the message out that while visitors are very welcome to Arranmore, it should not be viewed as “a place to come and get wrecked”.
“On foot of people coming to ourselves since the bank holiday weekend, we want to try and make sure these events don’t happen again,” Garda Quigley said.
Arranmore’s shore front. Locals say that while visitors are more than welcome, the anti-social behaviour that erupted over the June bank holiday weekend is not.
“At the end of the day Arranmore is your island, your community and it’s your home and no one likes to see their home subjected to that type of behaviour.”
Quigley said Arranmore had “an awful lot of positives going for it” and that locals and businesses on the island want tourists to come. But the respect visitors are shown has to be reciprocated.
“Of course we want people to come and enjoy themselves but Arranmore cannot be seen as a play thing for exuberant behaviour or a place where because there is not a readily accessible Garda service you can do what you want.
“If we have to come out here and take action against people who are not behaving as they should be we certainly will do that, I can give that commitment 100 per-cent.”
Co-chair of the meeting, John McCafferty, revealed that a community alert service has recently been established on Arranmore and that a committee is now in place. He also welcomed the fact that there will be a greater Garda presence on the island over the coming months.
It was reiterated time and again that the message needed to put out that Arranmore is not a party island.
“How do we get away from that image that Arranmore is a place to come and get wasted,” asked Helena Gallagher.
Anna Ní Ghallachair pointed out that many successful events have been held on Arranmore without incident. She said the Swell Festival and Féile Róise Rua had been fixtures of the local social calendar for years and had never drawn the attention of gardaí.
Ms Ní Ghallachair said it would be “very sad” if the island “gained a reputation” among a certain age group.
“I think we need a campaign that while we welcome tourists, we do not welcome that kind of behaviour.”
Louise Boyle, a key figure in the running of the Arranmore Ferry, said that drinking on their boat has now been banned and that new signage had been erected to that end.
It was agreed that a media campaign be looked at, relaying the message that while people are welcome, anti-social behaviour is not.
“I can’t promise all things but you can take my assurance that I will be working hard with the community, people and businesses to help do what I can to make sure we don’t have further situations like the bank holiday weekend,” Garda Quigley added.
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