AGMThe meeting was held in Bobs Bar, Durrow on Sunday, 19th January. The meeting, which was opened by the Chairman Ollie Clooney, was well attended and marked a very successful initiation of the scheme which was set up in 2013. The secretary’s report was presented by Gabby Irwin which highlighted the activities the group engaged in during its inaugural year, most notably the First Meeting, Erecting of Signs, the Launch Night, Roll out of the Text Alert System, Summer BBQ and the Halloween Fancy Dress. The Treasurers report was delivered by Alan Gee and distributed to those present. All outgoing Committee Officers were re-elected to their positions as follows; Ollie Clooney – Chairman; Jim Murphy – Vice Chairman; Gabby Irwin – Secretary; Alan Gee – Treasurer; P.J. Phelan – Assistant Treasurer and Shane Curran – P.R.O.
Bernadette Dunne of ‘Task Community Care’ addressed the meeting and gave a comprehensive account of their Seniors Alert Scheme. Grants are available for the over 65’s through the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and covers the cost of having a socially monitored alarm installed in your home. The only cost to the individual is TASK’s €66 yearly charge for around the clock monitoring. Those wishing to avail of the scheme can contact a Committee member. A sub committee was put in place to research the process of erecting CCTV cameras at various strategic points in the area after unanimous consensus in favour of doing so. Any submissions on this project can be forwarded to the sub-committee through the Secretary – Gabby Irwin. Annual subscriptions are now due and can be given to or collected by your street coordinators. The proposed subscription is €20 per household with a further €10 for households who wish to have two numbers on the text alert system.