Text Alert AGM hears how to switch to Cairde app

Some of those attending the AGM.

The transition from text alerts to the Cairde app for community messaging was the main focus of last evening's AGM of the Kilcullen Garda District Text Alert group, writes Brian Byrne. A presentation by Inspector Gavin Dunphy outlined the features of the app and how to download it and register with a local community group.

The app was developed by Muintir na Tire, the organisation which initiated the original national Text Alert system. It is free to download and use in Kildare, being funded through Local Property Tax.

In addition to providing a way to notify information in a variety of pre-set themes to all members of a group, the Cairde system also gives users the opportunity to have nominated friends made aware of personal emergencies, such as a fall.

Once registered, members of a group can receive alerts on suspicious activities from An Garda, as well as other messages from within their group such as Missing Persons or Pets, local road traffic issues, community Clean-up Days and more. 

There's also the facility to fill in details of personal valuables on a Property Log, which can help with recovery if lost or stolen. Nominated friends can be set up on the My Cairde section — Inspector Dunphy recommended that at least two such friends should be available for emergency contact. He emphasised that Cairde doesn't replace the HSE Seniors Alert system, and also that requests for emergency services should still be made by dialling 999.

Among the advantages of the Cairde app over the older Text Alert is the facility to go beyond the 160-character limit, as well as being able to include photographs — lost pets, for example — and links to relevant external sources such as Garda report podcasts on local radio stations.

Inspector Dunphy noted that there had been a 3-year trial of the new system, and in Kildare there are now around 40 groups set up on it. He accepted that for some in an older age cohort there may be difficulties in switching to an app from the text system, but help will be made available to any individual who wants it. "That's why we have set no timeline for ceasing Text Alert. But areas which have not had Text Alert are signing up to Cairde because effectively it's the only show in town now. And they're delighted with it."

Earlier, Elaine Jackson of the Kilcullen Garda District Text Alert had taken the meeting through the AGM agenda. The same committee was re-appointed, comprising Aaron Cotter as chair, Elaine Jackson as Secretary, Martin Kelleher as Treasurer and committee members Mary Dillon, Fran Shortt and Jennifer Shortt.

Also in attendance were Cllrs Tracey O'Dwyer and Mark Leigh, and Community Garda Jon Brien.

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Text Alert AGM date

The AGM of the Kilcullen Garda District Text Alert will be held on Monday 7 April in Kilcullen GAA, writes Brian Byrne.

The meeting will begin at 8pm and will include information on the Cairde App as part of a Crime Prevention presentation.

Inspector Gavin Dunphy and Community Garda Jon Brien will be in attendance and the event offers the opportunity for people to discuss general and specific concerns about crime and anti-social issues. Public representatives have also been invited.

For those in the Text Alert system, membership fee of €10 is now due and can be given on the night. New members also welcome.

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Text Alert for Old Kilcullen

There's a Kilcullen Community Text Alert this afternoon about a white Volkswagen ID car driving slowly and stopping outside houses in the Old Kilcullen area, then driving off. 

If anyone has any concerns about such activity or anything that seems to be suspicious please contact the Garda. 

They have been notified.

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Van alert for Kilgowan and Calverstown

A Community Alert is being issued in relation to people calling in the Kilgowan/Calverstown area in a small white van with an English or Northern Ireland registration. 

They are enquiring if tarring needs to be done. 

If anyone has concerns about such callers, or any activity that seems suspicious, please contact the Gardai.

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Text Alert for Old Kilcullen

A Community Alert has been issued in relation to people calling to premises in the Old Kilcullen area.

The callers are enquiring if tarring needs to be done.

If anyone has concerns about such callers, or any activity that seems suspicious, they are asked to contact the Gardai.

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Text Alert about vans at Old Kilcullen

A number of reports have been made about a couple of white vans circling the roads around Old Kilcullen.

The vans have different logos, and they are the subject of a Community Text Alert.

If anyone sees anything of concern about these or other matters, please contact An Garda.

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Text Alert on van in Old Kilcullen

A Kilcullen Garda District Community Text Alert has been issued in relation to a white van with a 181 LS registration going house to house in Old Kilcullen offering roof cleaning services and similar. 

Gardai have been notified about the vehicle, reported as driving up and down roads slowly looking in at houses.

Anyone with concerns can contact An Garda at the Text Alert number above. 

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Suspicious activity at Yellow Bog

A Garda Text Alert has been issued about suspicious activity in Yellow Bog.

It relates to a person seen jumping the wall at Yellow Bog Church. The person was wearing a hoodie and a black Covid mask.

Anyone with sightings is asked to contact Kilcullen Garda at 045 481212.

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Garda alert on person 'roaming fields' in Cut Bush and surrounding areas

A person of interest to the Garda is reported to be roaming fields in the Cut Bush and surrounding areas, according to a Text Alert issued at 7.26pm today.

The Alert advises that people in the locality keep doors and cars locked, and NOT to approach the person if seen, but notify the Garda.

The person is described as dressed in black.

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Dangerous wires at Old Kilcullen

DANGEROUS WIRES: The Kilcullen Text Alert has been notified of dangerous loose wires sitting in the middle of the road near Thompson's house and stable yard in Old Kilcullen. Please approach with caution.

ALSO, TREE DOWN: Warning from Kilcullen Text Alert: Tree down since 5.30pm covering both sides of the Narraghmore-Calverstown Road at Blackhall making it impassable.  

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Seasonal home crime prevention advice given in Kilcullen

Garden tools and equipment are among the most common things stolen from households at this time of the year, a crime prevention meeting in Kilcullen has been told, writes Brian Byrne.

The meeting, hosted in Kilcullen GAA clubhouse by the Kilcullen Garda District Text Alert Committee, also heard advice that home-owners should make sure front doors and windows are locked while they may be working in the back garden, as thieves can very quickly get in and out if provided with an opportunity. A similar caveat applies for back doors while working in the front garden.

Kilcullen-based Gardai Joanne O'Sullivan and Justin Meaney gave advice at the event, where participants were also provided with details of the new Cairde App which is being rolled out to enhance the Community Text Alert system.

Homeowners were also advised not to confront intruders if they realise someone has come in, but to call out to suggest there are others in the house, while dialling 999. Other seasonal anti-crime advice included notifying local Gardai when going on holiday, and giving a home's Eircode so they can drive by to make sure all is OK. The digital age warning not to broadcast on social media that homeowners are going away for holidays was reiterated. Keeping gates closed, and switching on the house alarm even if only going to the shop for a short while, was also advised.

Keeping details of valuables, including serial numbers and photographs, was emphasised, something that's much easier today with most people having smartphones. "But do have the details jotted down somewhere other than your phone, which can be lost," Gda Joanne suggested. It was noted that the new Cairde App has a section where details and photos can be kept independently of the physical phone. "Just know what you have," Gda Justin said. "Things can turn up eventually, and it makes it easier for us to return them to their owners if the details are given to us when they're stolen."

It was emphasised that people should call in anything that concerns them, an unrecognised car where it shouldn't be, people behaving suspiciously, livestock straying on the road. "We're always available to the public to engage with us," Gda Justin said. "We do rely on people out there to get information to us." Both Gardai stressed that information given is confidential, and the source is never revealed. A caller need not give their name if they wish, they said.

There was also a discussion on text and phone call scams — "don't click links, don't open anything, don't answer the phone if it's not somebody you know or somebody you are expecting. Revenue does not call or text people, banks don't send links or ask you for personal details in texts."

There's a complement of seven Gardai in Kilcullen Garda Station, which is open from 7am-4pm each day. The phone number is 045 481212. 

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Details of Cairde security App outlined at meeting

Details of the new Muintir na Tire Cairde App which is being rolled out to complement the current Text Alert system were provided at a meeting in Kilcullen last evening, writes Brian Byrne.

The event, hosted by the Kilcullen Garda District Text Alert Committee in the GAA clubhouse, was also attended by Kilcullen Gardai who provided seasonally-themed advice on keeping homes and property secure from thieves.

Chairperson of the Text Alert committee Aaron Cotter told those present that the Cairde App has been tested in pilot initiatives over a number of years and is now being rolled out nationwide.

For Kildare it is being sponsored by Kildare County Council in association with An Garda, and there will be no cost to individuals or communities to use it.

Developed as a form of neighbourhood social network, the app offers customisable participation options, including private space to list details and photographs of personal valuables so that in the event of theft these can be forwarded to the Gardai to help with their return if recovered.

Users of Cairde can also specify which kinds of alerts they wish to receive, which can range from reports of anti-social or suspicious behaviour through warnings about straying livestock or missing pets and persons. The user can also choose whether or not to receive Garda or Council messages, and notifications from their own local groups such as Tidy Towns.

Aaron Cotter emphasised that Cairde will not replace existing Text Alert systems. "It's an enhancement, through which Text Alert messages can be sent to people with smartphones, but they will also be sent in the normal way to older phones."

He added that all 600 or so contacts on the current Kilcullen system will be migrated onto the Cairde platform, but GDPR protocols will be fully adhered to. "This will take time to build," he concluded. "But the more people who sign up to use it, the better it will be."

Further information meetings about Cairde are planned by the committee for the Kilcullen area.

(We'll post on the home security advice separately.)

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Text Alert public meeting this evening

A reminder that the Kilcullen Garda District Text Alert Committee are holding a meeting this evening, Thursday 29th June, at 8pm in Kilcullen GAA Hall, to introduce and help set up the new Cairde App for members. 

Kilcullen Gardai will also be present. 

The meeting is open to everyone. All welcome.

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New app for Text Alert information meeting

The Kilcullen Garda District Text Alert are holding an information evening next Thursday, June 29, at 8pm in Kilcullen GAA Hall, writes Elaine Jackson. 

Kilcullen Gardai will be present and the Committee are going to introduce the new Cáirde App to members. 

The meeting is open to all and new members are welcome.

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