Residents from these areas had the opportunity to take advantage of the services available to them that are in some instances challenging to access.

‘It is vital that the City is able to provide services in a manner that responds adequately to the needs of its communities. We need to ensure that we operate in a more effective and efficient manner in managing our communities and their interests amid an ever-changing environment,’ said Alderman Twigg.

A number of City departments were available to help residents with a host of services such as helping them to apply for indigent grants; to update their details on the Housing Database; to make general enquiries regarding their utility bills; to gather information on health issues and job opportunities and to engage about neighbourhood safety matters.

‘It is even more important that the City’s interest is in line with the needs of the people on the ground as the City is the main source of resources to its communities,’ said Alderman Twigg.

Mrs Hilda and Mr Peter Fortune from Athlone raised concerns about safety issues in the area and requested for increased visible policing and law enforcement.

End