Justice Minister visits North Mayo to meet Gardaí and Youth Services

Minister for Justice, Immigration and Home Affairs Jim O'Callaghan TD visited County Mayo on Friday, where he met with frontline Gardaí and community youth workers in Ballina.

The Minister was hosted by local TD and Cabinet colleague Dara Calleary, with the visit beginning at Ballina Garda Station where Minister O'Callaghan met with local officers. The engagement provided an opportunity to discuss policing matters with Gardaí working on the ground in the area.

A key part of the visit included a meeting with Youth Action Ballina (YAB), a local organisation working to support young people who have been involved in, or are at risk of becoming involved in, anti-social behaviour. Minister O'Callaghan praised the team's work in providing intervention and support services to vulnerable youth in the community.

The Minister for Justice and the Minister for Rural Affairs with team members from Youth Action Ballina (YAB)

The Minister also met with local Fianna Fáil councillors to hear their perspectives on issues affecting the area before addressing a party supporters' lunch at the Great National Hotel Ballina.

In his keynote address, Minister O'Callaghan reflected on his first ten months in the Justice portfolio since taking up the position following the formation of the current government.

The Minister for Justice and Minister for Rural Affairs with Mayo Fianna Fáil County Councillors. Pics: John O'Grady

Westport Cllr Brendan Mulroy raised the status of the Garda investigation into the unsolved death of Joe Deacy. Minister O'Callaghan pledged to bring the councillor's concerns directly to the attention of the new Garda Commissioner.

"To be fair, the Minister said he will bring up all my concerns with the new Garda Commissioner," Cllr Mulroy said. "I have talked previously with the Minister, and he is very much aware of the ongoing investigation."

The councillor emphasised that An Garda Síochána remain committed to solving the case. "It is important to remember that An Garda Síochána are actively looking to find out who murdered Joe Deacy and bring them to justice," he stated.

Minister O'Callaghan described the visit as "thoroughly enjoyable" and thanked Minister Calleary for the invitation to Mayo. Minister Calleary welcomed his colleague to Ballina, noting the importance of ministerial engagement with local communities and frontline services.