Members of the Longford Community Safety Partnership have expressed concern over compliance rates with fines.
Some argue that Community Service could be a viable punishment for non-payment.
The LCSP held their first meeting of 2023 this week and members were given a presentation by Lena Timoney, regional Manager with the Probation Service. She outlined how the Probation Service operated in the local community and the link between it and the courts. Councillor Gerry Warnock expressed his concern at the low rate of compliance with fines in the county, and asked if a Community Service Order could be automatically given if a person fails to pay a fine within a certain time period. He said that people simply weren't learning their lesson and Community Service would provide a punishment for non-compliance. Ms. Timoney acknowledged the low compliance but stated that legislative change would be required to implement such a system. Councillor Seamus Butler also brought forward the issue of non-compliance with Community Service Orders themselves and if a custodial sentence is automatically given for not carrying out the order
Lena Timoney responded by saying there is a lengthy revocation process in place and that they are often asked by judges to give the person a second chance to carry out the order.
