Protest On! Protest Off! Protest Back On!

St Laurence’s School

he planned protest started in a local WhatsApp group, mothers in the area tired of waiting for something to be done about two identified flashers targeting school children in the area.

With their names and faces being shared in such groups and online, how come the Greystones garda hadn’t managed to arrest, charge and convict these men?

And, most importantly, get them off our streets?

Which is why that protest was due to happen outside the Greystones Garda station this evening, at 7pm. Last night though, one of the organisers had a sit down with a female officer, who was there to explain just what was being done.

More patrols around schools have been put in place, both in unmarked cars and on foot (thanks, the garda said, to that new Taoiseach). Despite calls, the gardaí can’t park outside anyone’s house, as it’s not legal. They also can’t give descriptions or release names of suspects, as everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and it would jeopardise any case being brought. The incidents reported over the past few months have now built a case though, and a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Also, any suspects with mental illness are risk assessed, the gardaí working with Tulsa and the HSE on this front.

“Basically, the gardaí appear to be doing all that they can right now,” says the organiser, who’d rather remain anonymous. “And we’re satisfied with their answers.”

And with that, the protest this evening outside the Greystones garda station was called off.

Within minutes though, organisers were informed that others were going to go ahead with the planned protest, same time, different place – namely, the Dr Ryan Community Centre in Kenmare Heights.

With one of the two suspects already appearing in court, the hope is the second will soon follow.