It is my great pleasure to be associated with the contribution of the emergency services to the Clonakilty Website.

An Garda Siochana in the Clonakilty District are tasked with the professional enforcement of the laws of our Country.

As in other Garda Districts it is our mission here in Clonakilty to achieve the highest attainable level of:

• Personal Protection.
• Community Commitment.
• State Security.

Policing with the consent and co-operation of the public is one of our fundamental principles. This underlying philosophy underpins all Garda activity conducted in this district.  It is our aim to respect the human dignity of every person and protect the human rights of all.  We appreciate that the demographic in Clonakilty has changed dramatically in recent times however, as we face new challenges associated with diversity and equality we do so endeavouring to promote a culture of respect, openness, and fairness.

We aim to be open and accountable in all matters pertaining to the discharge of our professional duties and responsibilities associated with public office. We adhere to the principles of legality with a view to applying the law in a fair equitable manner.

We achieve our policing goals through our corporate and local policing plans.  These plans, with the input of community consultation, have prioritized the policing issues which are of most concern to you, the public.  The current plans have prioritised the following six goals, which are performance driven and measured through quarterly audits.

National /International Security:
To reduce the threat of subversive and terrorist activity through intelligence led policing and international cooperation.

Crime:
To reduce the incidence of organised drug related and serious and criminal behaviour.

Traffic:
To reduce the incidents of fatal and serious injury collisions and to improve traffic flow.

Public Safety:
To ensure Public Safety by reducing the incidents of Public disorder and anti- social behaviour.

Public Confidence:
To improve confidence in An Garda Siochana.

Ethnic and Cultural Diversity:
To build the capability of An Garda Siochana to fulfil the emerging policing needs of our diverse and multicultural communities.

The Clonakilty area is blessed with beautiful scenery, a great natural resource which attracts many visitors throughout the year. The town and surrounding villages have developed commercially and economically into thriving centres for night time entertainment and socialising.  All are welcome and it is our goal to ensure that your stay here, as well as your journey to and from the area, is a safe and enjoyable experience. We see the strict enforcement of the Public Order Acts and the Road Traffic Acts as central to ensuring such safety and I would ask you to cooperate with the Gardai in this regard by driving within the speed limits, by not drinking and driving, by wearing your safety belts, by using hands free mobile telephone technology and by adhering to a driving philosophy which has consideration for all road users.   I would also ask those who socialise in the town late at night to be mindful and considerate to residents in the area.

We value the opinion of our community in Clonakilty and accept criticisms and compliments. To that end we provide leaflets at the counter of the Garda Station which can be filled out by members of the public giving their opinions and views on how problems or queries have been handled by our members.  Your feedback is vitally important to us and you can also make your comments on the Garda website at www.garda.ie

I assure you that in Clonakilty we will do our best to provide quality policing and a response to the needs of those we serve.  Our endeavours are driven by your support.

P. N. MAHER
SUPERINTENDENT

Dated: 1st April 2007.