Dáil focuses on Garda resources for Roscrea

CONCERNS over the opening hours of Roscrea Garda Station and policing manpower and resources in the town were discussed in the Dáil again this week.

Soon after a public meeting in Roscrea heard from angry parents and local people who said they are afraid to walk the streets of Roscrea after dark, the Garda issue will again be raised in the Dáil after it was highlighted earlier this month.

Fianna Fáil TD for North Tipperary, Jackie Cahill said he plans to raise awareness at a national level about the particular policing needs of Roscrea in Leinster House today (Wednesday).

Deputy Cahill said he discussed Roscrea's needs with senior Garda management recently and the need for increased Garda resources in rural towns and villages, "not just in Dublin," he said.

“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.

Deputy Cahill said the Garda Station in Roscrea opens from 9am to 5pm, which he said "is the absolute basic requirement." 

"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 combating crime, both in rural and urban areas", Deputy Cahill said.

“I will be raising the need for increased Garda resources and the increase in anti-social behaviour and drug related crime in the Dáil this week, and I will continue to highlight the particular needs of North Tipperary. 

"The amalgamation of the Tipperary and Clare areas is unacceptable, and I will continue to make this point with both the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner,” Deputy Cahill said.

The issue of amalgamating the Tipperary and Clare Garda Divisions, as well as the decision to amalgamate Roscrea and Nenagh Garda Districts, was also criticised by his party colleague, Councillor Michael Smith, when he addressed a public meeting in Roscrea recently.

Councillor Smith said people who call the Station on Main Street in Roscrea are regularly diverted to the desk at the Garda Station in Nenagh and sometimes to as far away as a Garda based in county Cork.