On the 2nd November 2018, Robert Robinson trading as Eske Services of Ballydevitt, Donegal was found guilty at Ballyshannon District Court of a breach of the Private Security Services Act. The prosecution by the Private Security Authority followed the provision of an unlicensed Door Supervisor service at the Holyrood Hotel, Bundoran. Judge Kevin Kilrane fined Mr. Robinson €300 with costs of €1,554 awarded against him and gave the defendant 4 months to pay.
The prosecution was taken by the Private Security Authority (PSA) following inspections of private security services in the Donegal area during June 2017. The PSA’s Chief Executive, Paul Scallan, speaking after the court case said “This prosecution shows the PSA’s continuing commitment to eradicating unlicensed security providers across the country. Door Supervisors play an important role in ensuring public safety at pubs, hotels, nightclubs and events across the County Donegal. Licensed Door Supervisors are qualified professionals who have been trained and Garda vetted. As we approach Christmas and the busiest social period of the year, it is important that the public can be confident that the security personnel they meet are PSA licensed. If anyone has concerns about a security service please contact us through our website, www.psa.gov.ie.
The PSA is an agency of the Department of Justice and Equality and is responsible for the regulation of the security industry. As well as contractors providing door supervisor services, the PSA also licences intruder alarm, CCTV and access control services, locksmiths, private investigators and security guards. The PSA’s website provides a register of all licensed contractors and you should contact one of these businesses when undertaking work on your home or business.