Professional beggars not welcome in Mayo town

PROFESSIONAL beggars operating in Westport have been given a clear message: You are not welcome.

Local councillors have asked for by-laws to be explored to deal with the situation, and also that the council meets with the gardaí to discuss the issue.

On Saint Patrick's morning, as people emerged from Mass, they were greeted by a beggar with a sign, Councillor Christy Hyland told a municipal meeting.

It was going on every day, with people being obstructed going about their business.

He had done his 'research' and set out the organisation involved in people being dropped to Westport and other towns in the west of Ireland. “It is a totally professionally organised situation.”

Councillor Hyland said one person involved had gone into a business in Westport to cash their coins and received €180 in notes back.

“There is no need for begging,” he said. “We have one of the best social welfare systems in Europe.”

Councillor Peter Flynn said it was remarkable how the people involved are never seen during the winter but once it gets brighter that miraculously appear on the streets.

He had no problem if people were down on their luck and going through tough times, but these were 'professional'.

Director of services Catherine McConnell said the gardaí have power to move people on. Council wardens couldn't tell people to move on or desist; they could implement fines under by-laws.

The gardaí are the first point of contact, she suggested, with Councillor Flynn asking that they explore what might be available by way of by-laws.