Residents in Ennis are asking whether the county town is as safe as it once was.  

A recent social media post claiming people no longer feel safe walking alone has sparked a heated debate, with concerns ranging from violent crime and Garda resources to immigration. 

Garda figures show recorded assaults, harassment and related offences in Ennis have risen by more than 43% over the past decade, while public order offences have fallen.  

So, how safe is Ennis today? Is the perception matching the reality? And what needs to be done to make people feel safer? 

Joining Alan Morrissey earlier to discuss it were Ennis native Angela Coll, CEO of Ennis Chamber Margaret O'Brien, and former local and general election candidate Kevin Hassett.

Photo (c) Clare FM