Eight new gardaí appointed for Lucan and Clondalkin

By Maurice Garvey

TÁNAISTE and Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald welcomed eight new gardaí to the Clondalkin and Lucan districts.

Two classes of garda recruits graduated on Wednesday from Templemore – eight members will be assigned to Clondalkin and Lucan.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Tánaiste said: “The Programme for Government commits to continuing the ongoing accelerated garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing garda numbers to 15,000.

“My department is engaging with garda management as a matter of priority in relation to the preparation of a recruitment plan for the next five years, that will deliver increased numbers of gardaí.

“In tandem with accelerated garda recruitment there will be a fresh recruitment drive aimed at doubling the garda reserve and increased recruitment of civilians to free up gardaí to front-line policing duties. This investment in personnel will be supported by an additional €205 million in new technology and ICT.”

Fianna Fáil TD John Curran received figures on local garda numbers last October – which showed a total drop of 29 gardaí over the last five years in stations in Clondalkin, Lucan and Ronanstown.

At the time Curran said the recent recruitment process is “simply insufficient” with cuts “making it more difficult for gardaí.”

Deputy Curran was informed that “as of July 31, 2015, Clondalkin garda numbers are down from 97 in 2010 to 86 in 2015.

“In Lucan, garda numbers are down from 83 in 2010 to 70 in 2015 and Ronanstown, the numbers are down from 94 to 89.”