Rising crime in Co Cavan is a reflection of the Government's inability to deliver on policing. That's the view of local Sinn Fein TD, Deputy Pauline Tully, who was responding to figures that were discussed on Northern Sound last week, indicating that crime is on the rise in Shercock, Killeshandra, Kingscourt, Cootehill and Ballyjamesduff.
Deputy Tully says that because Fine Gael has had responsibility for the Department of Justice for the last 12 years, the failures across the board lie solely with it. She highlighted how An Garda Siochana has been "undermined" through poor leadership and lack of investment - something that is now evident across this region.
She added that recruitment targets within the Force for this year have already been missed. "These figures suggest a worrying rise in reported crime across many areas in Cavan and includes Shercock, Killeshandra, Kingscourt, Cootehill and Ballyjamesduff.
"Fine Gael have held responsibility for the Justice Ministry for twelve years now and during this time they have undermined the police service through poor leadership and a failure to plan and invest. Garda in Cavan do incredible work every day to keep communities safe but too often they feel they lack the support and investment needed to do their jobs to the best of their ability.
“Garda numbers are too low. Government have repeatedly failed to address this. The Garda Representative Association have warned that targets to recruit Gardaí have already been missed so far this year. Morale within An Garda Síochána is also worryingly low.
“Communities across Cavan deserve to feel safe and protected, but in too many instances people fear that the Gardaí are overstretched and will be unable to help them when needed. Fine Gael have been soft touch on crime and have failed to support the police service to do their jobs properly. Figures must serve as a wakeup call for the government to get its act together and protect communities in Cavan from crime," Deputy Tully said.
