Community Text Alert scheme now officially in development

Scheme seeks wide supportThe effort to establish a Community Text Alert system for the Kilcullen area has moved up a step with the official organisation of a committee to operate it, writes Brian Byrne.

Following a meeting last night of the Steering Group, Ivan Keatley is the chair of the new committee, with Aileen Thorpe as secretary, Maurice O'Mahony as treasurer and Sabina Reddy as PRO. Brian McParland is assistant chair and Phil O'Brien is assistant secretary.

"We have adopted a constitution and we're now actively seeking people's commitment to the scheme in writing," Sabina says. "Forms for this are available in Walls of Kilgowan, McParlands of Calverstown and McGanns shop in Calverstown, and they can also be had by contacting any of the committee officers, phone 087 6807139 or 087 2731335." The forms will also be available in Kilcullen Library later this week, and direct message requests can be made through the Kilcullen Town Facebook page.

The scheme involves a €10 subscription from each participating household, to be used for buying a dedicated mobile phone and setting up the system.

"We're canvassing support from other rural areas around Kilcullen, particularly the Milemill, Brannockstown, Carnalway, Harristown, Gilltown and Dunshane townlands. And we're asking local organisations like the GAA and the Lions to support the scheme publicly."

The committee emphasises that the aim is one strong scheme that will eventually take in both the rural and town areas in the Kilcullen Garda District. "We agree with Gda Steve Kinneavy's comment that there's 'power in numbers', and what we want is a really strong organisation to give the Garda the eyes and ears on the ground that will make a difference."

It's important to note that no strangers will be calling to people's homes looking for money. "We're asking neighbours in small local areas to canvass amongst themselves, with the forms. Don't give any money to anyone you don't know."

An official launch of the scheme is provisionally planned for a date in June, after the Bank Holiday. More details when that's firmed up.