Anger as Longford misses out on Garda allocation
A total of 193 new Gardaí graduated from Templemore last Friday, however no new recruits have been assigned to Longford, which was one of just three counties not to receive any additional resources
There has been a strong reaction locally after Longford was once again left without any new Garda probationers in the latest round of assignments.
A total of 193 newly attested Gardaí were deployed to divisions across the country following last Friday’s graduation ceremony in Templemore.
Deputy Micheál Carrigy described as “deeply disappointing” however, the fact that Longford was one of just three counties that did not receive additional Garda resources.
He noted that this was now the second time this year in which the county had been overlooked.
He said Longford “deserved the same level of commitment to public safety as every other county” and added that he had sent correspondence to the Garda Commissioner in relation to the matter.
Deputy Carrigy continued, “I know there are Gardaí that have transferred here to Longford from other districts, but we still need an increase in numbers to complement the force that we already have. We have a very hardworking unit in Longford and they need extra support to assist the good work they have done already."
"I think it's quite ironic we were the only district in the entire country that didn't have personnel assigned in the recent attestations. We highlighted this a number of months ago, and yet again we have been unsuccessful in getting new Gardaí.”
Cllr Niall Gannon said the reconvening of the Policing Committee should help apply pressure for more Gardaí in Longford, and added that while Gardaí in the county were doing their best with the resources they have, more manpower was still required.
Cllr Kevin Hussey also voiced his frustration about the issue, saying it was difficult to understand and accept the allocation decision considering the concerns that have long been raised within Longford communities around Garda visibility.
He said he had repeatedly raised at council level the need for more Gardaí, including stronger measures to tackle repeat offenders, and stressed that these concerns had been directly expressed by residents.
Cllr Peggy Nolan added, “Again Longford has been overlooked and it doesn’t make any sense. There’s rumours about Longford not being a safe place - rumours which we know are a myth – but at the same time, to ease people’s concerns, there should be a minimum of five new Gardaí being allocated here.”
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