Kilkenny councillors briefed on personal safety by gardaí

Local councillors are due to attend a special crime prevention workshop today with gardaí offering advice on personal safety following a recent attack at the home of a public representative .

President of The Association of Irish Local Government and Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Councillor Pat Fitzpatrick said that he asked Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Peter McConnon to address a meeting of the AILG at the Ormonde Hotel last Thursday.

"As President of the AILG I asked Sgt McConnon to come in and give a presentation to the members of the AILG on personal security.

"Councillors all around the country have gone through intimidation and I also thought it prudent following a recent event in Kilkenny," said Cllr Fitzpatrick referring to an attack on the home of local public representive, Cllr Eugene McGuinness.

Editorial: Brazen attack on Kilkenny politician's home must not go unpunished

"At the delegate meeting there was huge engagement from members of the AILG and we asked delegates to go back to each local authority area and ask for a workshop to be organised.

"Councillors across the country are finding themselves increasingly in a hostile environment while carrying out their duties.

At a local level in Kilkenny the executive of Kilkenny County Council contacted gardaí and Sgt Peter McConnon is holding a workshop at County Hall on Wednesday (February 1) for councillors."

Meanwhile gardaí are continuing to investigate an incident of criminal damage at the home of Cllr Eugene McGuinness at Bishop Birch Place in Kilkenny City on January 19 where windows of his home were broken and his van damaged.

A garda spokesperson confirmed that An Garda Síochána are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred at a residence on the outskirts of Kilkenny City on January 19, shortly after 8pm.

Gardaí in Kilkenny are appealing to any person who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them in Kilkenny Garda Station on 056 777 5000, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.