TRALEE TOWN Council is to consider introducing its own bylaws to control begging after hearing that gardaí did not feel they had powers to prosecute those involved for any offence.
Mayor of Tralee Terry O’Brien (Labour) said begging was taking place at “strategic locations” including post office doors, churchyards, car parks and along the main streets.
Since begging was no longer illegal after the repeal of the Vagrancy Act and since new legislation had not yet been enacted, gardaí could not prosecute people for begging, Garda Inspector James Foley told the council meeting.
Tralee Town Council is to investigate the introduction of its own bylaws in an attempt to curb the problem.
The Garda had also met priests who have agreed to ask people not to donate to anyone begging on church grounds, Insp Foley said.
Former mayor of Tralee Norma Foley said yesterday that asking for help was not a crime, but something had to be done where vulnerable people, particularly the elderly, were being targeted.
Ms Foley said bylaws would give gardaí an opportunity to do something about what was “a major issue in the town” and for the community. She stressed that her call for bylaws was not targeted at any ethnic group.