Protecting the Garda Training College in Templemore should form part of government formation negotiations, according to the Cathaoirleach of the Thurles-Templemore District – Fianna Fail’s Michael Smith.
He was unsuccessful in the general election but is now putting pressure on party running-mate Ryan O’Meara and Independent Michael Lowry over the issue.
Fianna Fail are likely to go into a new coalition with Fine Gael and Deputy Lowry’s Regional Group.
But Fine Gael and Fianna Fail both say they are planning to open a new Garda Training College (probably) near Dublin to increase recruitment.
It’s sparked concern locally including from Independent TD Michael Lowry that Templemore would be downgraded or even replaced.
Cllr Smith says the Tipperary location is not holding back recruitment – but the college in Templemore needs to be expanded:
”Well, I don’t think it is hurting the numbers and I think you can only see only last week 170 recruits (were attested). Because at every single occasion whether it be joint police and committees or whichever public forum we’ve all stated that we need to see more guards.
”So like this is the centre, this is the headquarters. So what we’re clearly stating to the three Tipperary North TDs is that you need to just extend these services. When you have the ground for it, when you have the land for it, that should be what should happen.
”And it should certainly not be to the loss of the town of Templemore.”
