Community Policing, Roads Policing and general Garda numbers have been decimated in Tipperary in recent years.
That was the stark fact pointed out to Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the Dáil this week by Clonmel TD Seamus Healy.
The independent representative described the Tipperary – Clare Garda Division as being particularly unwieldly and dysfunctional stretching 170 kilometres from the west coast of Clare to Carrick on Suir – a journey of two and a half hours.
Deputy Healy highlighted that in 2024 there were 64 Gardaí stationed in Clonmel – in October of this year, after the attested gardaí, there are now 9 less at 55.
“In 2010 Tipperary had 108 Community Gardaí. The whole area – Clare and Tipperary – now has a grand total of 18.
“The Clonmel Garda District covers the town of Clonmel with about 20,000 of a population and another 20,000 in the hinterland including Fethard, Kilsheelan, Clerihan and Lisronagh. Increasingly it covers areas with unmanned stations like Kilsheelan and stations that have been downgraded like Carrick on Suir.”
The Justice Minister is to meet with Oireachtas members from South Tipp today to discuss the lack of Garda personnel in the area following Deputy Healy’s appeal to the Taoiseach.
Deputy Healy told the Dáil lack of officer does not make for a safe environment for the public or the Gardaí.
“This level of Garda numbers does not allow for Garda visibility. Gardaí on the beat is vital for public safety and Gardaí themselves are being put at risk by the fact that they are going out to incidents on their own. We have had instances where Gardaí on their own have been assaulted and have had to be helped by members of the public.
“Our town centres Taoiseach are being abandoned to anti-social behaviour, drug use and drug dealing.”
