Cahill’s concern over Garda resources in Roscrea
The Fianna Fáil TD for North Tipperary, Jackie Cahill, has been highlighting the particular policing needs of Roscrea with senior garda management again in recent times. Deputy Cahill will also be speaking in the Dáil recently on the need for increased garda resources in rural towns and villages, and not just in Dublin.
“I have been raising policing concerns in Roscrea for some time now. The view on the ground in Roscrea is that they need more garda resources and they are very worried that there is not a visible enough presence of gardaí on the streets of the town, as anti-social behaviour and drug crime continue to cause serious difficulties for the people of Roscrea.
“I raised these concerns with the highest levels of An Garda Síochána management, having written directly to the Garda Commissioner and having spoken with senior Gardaí in the region.
“The Garda Station in Roscrea is open 9am to 5pm, which is the absolute basic requirement. Outside of this, I have been reassured that there is a presence of gardaí in the town at all times to respond to emergency calls in a patrol car.
“It is vital that the people of Roscrea feel that if there is an emergency, a garda presence can be on the scene locally in rapid time. It is welcome to learn that a patrol car with gardaí are stationed in the town at all times, to avoid a situation where a car has to be called from further afield.
“Gardaí locally have had some success in recent times with tackling drug crime in the town. However, just like every town and village in the country, the availability of drugs and the damage it is doing to our society still needs far more resources to tackle effectively.
“Similarly, like every town and village in rural Ireland, and not just in Dublin, an increased garda presence is needed. The people want to see Gardaí out on the beat, patrolling our streets. A visible Garda presence is absolutely crucial in combatting crime, both in rural and urban areas.
“I will be raising the need for increased garda resources in the Dáil.”