Community group issues challenge after graffiti attack
A COMMUNITY organisation set up to tackle problems associated with drug taking, alcohol abuse and other addictions, has challenged those responsible for daubing graffiti which supported dissident republican groups, to make public their ideas for a way forward on the issues.
A spokesperson for the Coalisland Cares group said the graffiti appeared on one of its banners and a notice board on Saturday night last.
Paying tribute to the work of local company, Sign Factory, for removing, cleaning and replacing the items, the spokesperson added:
“...someone had sprayed ‘RIRA’ and ‘Up the Real IRA’ on the banner. It’s great that people are taking notice and communicating, so we’ll make contact with the ‘Real IRA’, or if appropriate the ‘32 County Sovereignty Movement’, to find out what their views are on ‘Coalisland Cares’, on the issues of exploitation and intimidation of our young people by drug dealers, and on the fear of crime and violence in the community.
“This process of promoting safety, and physical and mental well being in our community is more important than graffiti and banners. Everyone knows that, and everyone knows the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs abuse.”
Yesterday, Sunday, Coalisland Cares confirmed they had a meeting with 32 CMS.
Posted on their website: “There has been positive and constructive dialogue recently between Coalisland Cares and the 32 County Sovereignty Movement (32 CSM). At this stage we do not have approval to publicise direct quotes from 32 CSM, however it seems clear that the graffiti was either the work of youngsters who were feeling brave after a few drinks, or of people trying to discredit the ‘Real IRA.’ There is a shared acknowledgement of the need to protect our young people from alcohol and drug abuse, and it was clearly stated that 32 CSM is 100% behind any community group working on these issues. “
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Weather for Dungannon
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
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