Harassment calls target female councillors across Ireland

The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) has reported a campaign of harassing telephone calls directed at female local councillors throughout Ireland. The calls, often from withheld or private numbers, contain sexual comments and have been traced to a single individual, with some councillors receiving up to 16 calls in an hour. AILG President Cllr Aengus O’Rourke said no elected representative should face intimidation because of their gender, and Head of Operations Elaine Lynch described the behaviour as a "direct attack on our local democracy".

AILG is working with An Garda Síochána, urging female councillors to record call details, report incidents to their local Garda liaison officer, and exercise caution with private numbers. The public has been asked to refrain from contacting female representatives from withheld numbers.

The association has contacted all female councillors nationwide to provide guidance on screening calls and to reinforce support for those affected.