Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan Pauline Tully has called on Government to address what she is describing as "unsafe staffing levels" within Cavan-Monaghan Garda division. Figures show that there are just 375 Gardaí in the region - a decrease of almost 8% since 2009.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy Tully highlighted how local communities are being let down because of the Government's failure to invest in safe policing levels. She highlighted that they need to know that when a crime is committed, an appropriate and quick response will be issued.
Deputy Tully added that while figures remained stable for many years, society was now facing into a perfect storm of "lacklustre recruitment combined with a crisis in retention". "These latest figures come at a worrying time for Garda members and the general public," she continued.
"With an expanding population, Garda recruitment under this government has not kept pace with the growth in many areas. Figures remained stable for many years, leading to a per capita decrease, but now we are facing a perfect storm of lacklustre recruitment combined with a crisis in retention.
"This means the Government is now scrambling to ensure recruitment keeps pace with retirements and resignations. Failure to do this means we don't have enough Gardaí. Garda numbers are not the only tool to combat many of the issues facing Cavan-Monaghan.
"We do need to ensure a consistent presence within communities to reassure people who are vulnerable that they will not continue to be targeted by criminals. In Government, Sinn Féin would work urgently to get to grips with this issue and address the shortfall and increase Garda presence to ensure communities can feel safe and protected."
