Garda reserves in Dublin Mid-West drop by 50 per cent
THE number of garda reservists in the Dublin Mid-West area has dropped by almost 50 per cent since 2015.
Figures supplied to Fianna Fáil TD John Curran through a parliamentary question shows that 30 garda reservists were assigned to local garda stations in Dublin Mid-West in 2015, but this fell to 15 as of August 2017.
Deputy Curran said: “Garda reservists are critical in preventing crime and anti-social behaviour in our local communities, while ensuring people feel safe in their own neighbourhoods.
“The 2015 Garda Inspectorate report states that the Garda Síochána family has already been extended through the use of the reserve. The Inspectorate was informed that despite being authorised under law and having received considerable training, reserves are not consistently or strategically utilised for operational purposes.
“The Inspectorate believes that the reserve provides an opportunity to generate greater operational efficiencies and the gardai can derive greater value from the use of the reserve.”
Deputy Curran has called on Justice Minister, Charlie Flanagan, to ensure Dublin Mid-West is assigned an adequate number of the promised 300 garda reserves for 2017 when recruited.
