Laois Offaly Garda Crime Prevention Officer frustrated at Lidl Mountellick discussion

Laois Offaly Garda Crime Prevention Officer Sgt Graham Kavanagh expressed frustration over discussions over a proposed new Lidl store for Mountmellick. 

His comments come as Lidl disagrees with a request for additional walkways, stating that one could become a ‘rat run’. 

In 2023, Sgt Kavanagh became the first Garda in Ireland to secure a Diploma in Designing Out Crime.

The Diploma, which is aimed at creating safer built environments, is a recognised qualification both for police Designing Out Crime Officers and for others who engage in designing out crime as part of a specialist role.

It enables Sgt Kavanagh to provide specialist advice and guidance regarding the built environment at every stage of architectural design from pre-planning to the full development in order to minimise crime, fear of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

“What I find frustrating is that discussions around developments like this often focus on broad concepts such as permeability and active travel, without always engaging fully with how those principles work on the ground in terms of safety, natural surveillance and long-term impact on communities,” said Sgt Kavanagh. 

READ MORE: Lidl disagree with request for more walkways for Mountmellick store

“I’ve spent years pushing this specific area of crime prevention and environmental design in Laois/Offaly, and I’ve repeatedly made myself available to offer impartial, evidence-based input on these issues. At times, it feels like that work and experience isn’t being fully engaged with during key planning conversations,” he said. 

Sgt Kavanagh explained that: "My concern isn’t about any single development — it’s about ensuring that good intentions translate into safe, well-designed outcomes that genuinely serve residents and don’t create unintended problems down the line.”

There is a lot of support for the proposed new Lidl for Mountmellick with a petition having been launched by some residents.