"There is a responsibility on everyone along the border to report criminal activity". That's according to Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne, who was speaking to Northern Sound earlier about policing in the border region.
The Minister who was visiting the Monaghan Neighbourhood Youth Project also pointed to the "heightened risk" of criminal activity in border regions. He admitted there will be "additional challenges" in this region because of the new legislation in the Republic of Ireland on the sale and supply of fossil fuels for heating.
But he warned, the need for clean air and better health outcomes for children and young people, was at the heart of the new rules. "I think it is absolutely critical that we have strong policy around clean air and ensure that the people can live in a clean environment.
"We know that carbon dioxide and the particles that are produced from smoky fuels damage the lungs and brains of children and young people. Of course where there is opportunity for criminal activity will also be criminals that take advantage of that.
"It is up to all of us to monitor that type of a situation and tackle criminal activity where we see it," Minister Browne added.
