Carrick-on-Suir district councillors seek information on garda staffing levels from Tipperary Garda chief

Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District councillors concerned about garda manpower in their communities have decided to write to the Tipperary/Clare Garda Division’s Chief Superintendent seeking a breakdown of garda staffing levels in their communities.

Ballingarry Cllr Imelda Goldsboro received unanimous support at Carrick MD’s monthly meeting for her proposal to write to the Chief Superintendent requesting garda staffing numbers in Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel and Thurles districts.

She voiced concern at the number of gardaí policing rural areas and she believed it was important they receive this information on staffing levels as a “stepping stone” to pushing for more garda resources.

“Over the last five years you can see there is a lack of bodies on the ground. We need to have this issue addressed,” she said.

Independent Cllr Kevin O’Meara said he 100% agreed there was not enough garda manpower policing communities like his native Mullinahone, Ballingarry and Carrick-on-Suir.

Carrick-on-Suir’s two councillors Kieran Bourke and Carrick MD Cathaoirleach Cllr David Dunne also spoke in support of Cllr Goldsboro’s proposal

Cllr Dunne pointed out that Carrick MD councillors were due to have a meeting with a garda representative soon and it would be opportune to raise this issue then.

The Cathaoirleach complained there was an awful lot going on, ranging from anti-social behaviour to assaults, that wouldn’t be happening if there were more gardaí in communities.

He acknowledged there was a struggle nationally to get gardaí but their area seemed to be getting a particularly “raw deal”.