'People need to feel safe in their own community'...European election hopeful, Barry Cowen to host 'town hall' event in Navan
ANN CASEY
Barry Cowen, Fianna Fáil European election candidate in the Midlands North West is hosting a public meeting in Navan tomorrow night, Wednesday to discuss his campaign and the ongoing issues affecting the town.
Deputy Cowen is concerned about problems with anti-social behaviour and traffic congestion in Navan and is inviting the public to attend the Town Hall meeting at the Newgrange Hotel.
Deputy Cowen said: “I have noticed a surge in anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in many towns across the Midlands North West in recent years, and unfortunately Navan is among those areas.
“A lack of Garda resources has contributed towards a rise in crime, violence and intimidation, vandalism, drug dealing and drug-taking that plagues the town, at night and even during the day.
“People need to feel safe in their own community, and too many have been forced into accepting the unacceptable as the norm, with local business owners among the worst affected.
“We need committed and consistent approach to the prevention of anti-social behaviour, with appropriate resources provided so people can feel safe when at home, going to work, going about their daily lives and socialising.
“This is the least we can expect to assure safer and stronger communities in Navan and similarly affected towns.
“All are welcome to attend my ‘Why Europe Matters’ public meeting and air their concerns at the Newgrange Hotel in Navan on Wednesday at 8pm.”
Following Town Hall events in Athlone and Naas, the third ‘Why Europe Matters’ event will see Deputy Cowen joined by specialist guest speakers to discuss his three main priorities: Sustainability in Food Production, Energy Security and Protecting our Tax regime whilst supporting innovation.
Among those speaking on the night will be Brian Rushe, a dairy farmer from Kildare and former Deputy President of the FAI, and Allan Shine, CEO of a Leinster innovation centre. The public meeting will be chaired by local Fianna Fáil Senator Shane Cassells.
Speaking about his candidacy, Deputy Cowen said: “From travelling to communities across the Midlands North West recently, it is clear people want a better understanding of why Europe Matters to everyday life here. This meeting will address just that and I invite and encourage all to come and engage.
“There are many challenges facing communities in Meath and across the constituency regarding cost of living, food and energy prices, sustainability, employment and traffic congestion. I want to engage with the local community to prove that I am well placed to champion these issues at a European level.
“I have a history of fighting hard for the interests of my constituents in Laois / Offaly as a public representative and have seen first hand the effect EU policies can have on employment and our way of life.
“Therefore it is crucial we elect experienced and tough negotiators to get the best deals possible for Meath and everywhere else in the Midlands North West constituency.”
Deputy Cowen added: “More and more, Europe - through its common policies and laws - is having a greater impact on the lives of our citizens. We need to be vigilant to make sure that whatever is decided in Brussels is in the best interests of our people and at the same time maximise the benefit of our membership for all our citizens.”