Sinn Féin politicians meet with victims’ family after tragic Waterford arson attack

A number of Sinn Féin politicians have met with relatives of the English family in the aftermath of last month’s fatal arson attack in Waterford city.

Local TDs David Cullinane and Conor McGuinness welcomed Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Justice and Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, Matt Carthy to Waterford recently.

The TDs attended a series of meetings in relation to drug intimidation locally. They were joined by local Sinn Féin councillors Joeanne Bailey and John Hearne.

The delegation met with relatives of the English family following the fatal arson attack which claimed the lives of five people in Birchwood last month.

They also met with community organisations, youth groups, addiction and recovery services, senior Garda management and Waterford City and County Council officials.

Speaking after the meetings, Deputy Cullinane said: “We welcomed Matt Carthy to Waterford today to meet directly with the people and organisations working on the frontline in our communities.

“We had very constructive engagements with a wide range of groups involved in youth work, addiction services, recovery, mental health and community development.

“We also met with senior Gardaí and council officials to discuss the challenges facing Waterford.”

He outlined the problem of drug intimidation that exists locally and the impact that it is having on families and communities.

“The message from all of these meetings was very clear. Drug-related intimidation is a serious problem.

“Families are living in fear, communities are being impacted and criminal gangs are exploiting vulnerable people, including young people.

“The horrific killing of five members of the English family has left a deep sense of sadness and anger across Waterford.

“We were grateful to have the opportunity to meet with members of the family today. They have experienced an unimaginable tragedy and deserve justice.”

Deputy Cullinane called for a strong response to the tragedy from gardaí and the Government.

“We need a strong and sustained response to drug intimidation and organised crime.

“That means ensuring Gardaí have the resources they need to target those responsible, bring them before the courts and protect families and communities.

“But enforcement is only part of the answer. We also need proper investment in addiction and recovery services, youth services, family supports and community organisations.”

He thanked all the groups that met with the delegation and called for an increase in support from the Government.

“I want to thank all of the groups who met with us today. They are doing tremendous work, often with limited resources, supporting vulnerable people and helping to make our communities safer.

“Sinn Féin recently brought forward a Dáil motion calling for a crackdown on drug debt intimidation, which the Government accepted. We now need to see that commitment turned into real action.

“Waterford needs more Garda resources, stronger community supports and proper investment in services that prevent young people from being drawn into criminality.

“People have a right to feel safe in their homes and communities. The Government must ensure that that right is protected.”

Similarly, Deputy Conor McGuinness highlighted the importance of meeting people in the community that have been impacted by drug-related intimidation.

"Today was an important opportunity to hear directly from the people working every day to support families and communities across Waterford.

“We have fantastic community organisations, youth workers and addiction and recovery services doing vital work.

“They know the challenges facing our communities and they know what additional supports are needed.”

He also called in an increase in support for the gardaí in tackling the issue locally.

“We also heard about the very real impact of drug intimidation on families and the fear that criminal gangs are creating in communities.

“We need to support the Gardaí in tackling those responsible, but we also need to invest in prevention, early intervention, addiction treatment and recovery.

“David and I will continue working with Matt Carthy and our local councillors to raise these issues nationally and to press for the resources and action that Waterford needs.”

Deputy McGuinness concluded by saying that communities deserve to be safe.

He added that the organisations working to protect and support them deserve the full backing of the Government.

Kim and Philip English, along with their children Callum (12) and Jayden (9), died in the fire at their home in Birchwood on Tuesday, October 13.

Their six-year-old son, Elliot, passed away from his injuries at Crumlin Children’s Hospital on Friday last.