Community wardens will act as the "eyes and ears" of five local authorities under a pilot scheme announced by the Government today.
The wardens will be charged with the role of developing stronger relations between communities and local authorities.
At the launch of the service today the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Mr Noel Dempsey, said the new service was not intended to be a second police force but a means for the local authorities to tackle issues affecting local communities.
The wardens will act as mediators between local people and the authorities. They will also be responsible for monitoring public amenities, tourist attractions, school areas and housing estates. The role includes enforcing local authority regulations.
The success of the service, Mr Dempsey said, would be seen in tangible improvements in quality of community life.
The three-year programme is being run in Galway County Council, Galway City Council, Leitrim County Council, Wexford County Council and Naas Town Council. The wardens will be on duty outside of normal working hours and at weekends.
