An Garda Síochána Relaunches Coastal Watch Initiative in Southern Region

An Garda Síochána has launched a refresh of its Coastal Watch initiative in the Southern Region, with the relaunch taking place in Castletownbere, Co. Cork, today.

The initiative was launched by Assistant Commissioner for the Southern Region, Eileen Foster, and aims to raise awareness and encourage those who live, work, or use the coast to report unusual activity to help prevent and detect crime.

Coastal Watch is a community-based, crime-prevention initiative involving residents, businesses, landowners, Government agencies, voluntary emergency services, and An Garda Síochána. For over 30 years, the initiative has helped keep Ireland's 7,500km of coastline safe.

The refreshed initiative introduces two key changes across the Southern Region, which covers Cork City, Cork County, Clare/Tipperary, Limerick, and Kerry.

A Coastal Watch Liaison Garda Inspector will be appointed in each Division to educate the public about the initiative, work with local Gardaí to ensure information collected is channelled efficiently, and maintain engagement with key members of the public.

An Garda Síochána will also erect new Coastal Watch signage across the Southern Region. The signage will include a QR code linked to an online form, allowing people to report suspicious or criminal activities on land or at sea.

Activities the public are encouraged to report include unknown boats landing in remote locations, boats with names removed or concealed, suspected illegal dumping or illegal fishing, unexpected tyre tracks on laneways, vehicles parked in unusual places, and intentionally destroyed vehicles.

Assistant Commissioner Eileen Foster said:

"Local knowledge is a term frequently used in policing, and it has particular relevance in this initiative. Coastal Watch is a crime-prevention initiative, and a community-based partnership where your local knowledge will indicate if something appears suspicious, or out of place, or odd. I would say to you all, trust your instincts and reach out to An Garda Síochána. You could be providing An Garda Síochána with vital information to assist us in our investigations.

That is why we are here today. Coastal Watch provides us with an opportunity to harness local knowledge and to ultimately prevent and detect crime in our coastal areas by collaborating together.

We want to hear from you."

Suspicious or criminal behaviour can be reported via the Coastal Watch form at www.garda.ie/coastal-watch/