Reduction in number of community gardai raises huge concerns

THE reduction of community gardai from 10 to 4 “raises huge concerns” for the community, according to Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind).

“I am constantly talking to members of the public who are increasingly feeling unsafe in our parks, public areas and around their homes. Garda presence on the streets and in our communities make us all feel safer,” said Timmons.

On the recruitment issue, Timmons says they need to be paid properly and supported fully in order to have a “fully functioning community-based policing service.”

“Many guards I talk to are talking about new careers, they deserve better working conditions. I want to acknowledge the work of Clondalkin gardai in keeping law and order and the difficulties they experience.”

In June, the Sunday Independent reported that the Dublin West policing district was investigating more than 30,000 criminal cases, including 7,500 cases in Lucan and Ronanstown, and around 7,000 in Clondalkin, Ballyfermot and Rathcoole.

In addition, it was estimated that more than 10 per cent of garda resignations at the time were gardaí based in Dublin West – the country’s busiest policing district.

Speaking to the Independent, Brendan O’Connor, president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), said gardaí are in high demand in Dublin West because of population pressures but that they are seeing “serious problems emerging in terms of member welfare and burn-out.”

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