Vital Tipperary garda vehicle damaged in 2018 'has not been replaced five years later'

The issue of rural crime across Tipperary is causing deep concern among communities, Deputy Michael Lowry told the Dáil this week.

Deputy Lowry highlighted the situation in Roscrea as an example where anxiety is building in the local community about the level of policing in the town.

"This trend disrupts the peace and security of our people", Deputy Michael Lowry told the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, in the Dáil on Wednesday as he requested that she bring this matter to the attention of the Garda Commissioner.

Deputy Lowry also sought assurances that Gardai currently based in Tipperary's other rural communities will not be transferred on a temporary or part-time basis.

"In light of recent incidents, including burglaries, vandalism, and anti-social behaviour, people are feeling increasingly vulnerable. The reconfiguration of Tipperary District and its amalgamation with Clare has had a detrimental impact. It has highlighted a glaring inadequacy in Garda personnel", Deputy Lowry said.

"The current Garda numbers in the county are evidently insufficient to provide proper and adequate policing. Towns such as Roscrea, with a population exceeding 6,000, is consistently undermanned. The Station is regularly closed due to staff shortage and also closes every evening at 5:30pm.

"The Thurles Sub-District also struggles with manpower. One patrol car is shared between four rural Garda Stations. A vital vehicle damaged in 2018 has not been replaced five years later", he said.

"The current policing model serving Tipperary is unacceptable and unsustainable", Deputy Lowry told the Dáil.

Minister McEntee acknowledged that the Tipperary Deputy is deeply committed to policing in his own community and the wider county.

She said: "As you will know, changes are taking place and a new Operational Model is being rolled out across the country. The objective of this new Policing Model is that we have better policing, more focused policing but that we have more members on the ground and a stronger Community Policing presence.

"This is what everyone in this Chamber wants and it’s what our communities want – to have Garda members on the ground, that they can pick up a phone to. This reorganisation and these Divisional Models are the focus and that is the priority.

The Justice Minister added: "Of course we all want more Garda members, we all want more numbers, and that is why every effort is being made to make sure that we have the highest number of recruits coming out of our Garda College that is possible".