Tipperary’s largest town to deploy more garda boots on the ground in major step up

Concerns over drug misuse and anti social behaviour in Clonmel have prompted fresh commitments to increase Garda visibility in the coming weeks.

Local TD Michael Murphy says he has been assured that a renewed policing plan will take effect across the town centre in the run up to Christmas. The Superintendent intends to assign more officers to street patrols until the end of December. A similar arrangement was in operation last year but ceased once January arrived.

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Deputy Murphy argues that the town requires a stronger and more permanent Garda presence, particularly after Clonmel received only one additional officer from the latest group of Templemore graduates. He says the situation facing the town is not unique but is particularly acute at present.

“I know the Superintendent is launching a plan for the Christmas period similar to last year as well, but he needs additional Gardai. I was unequivocal in my intervention (in the Dáil) last week, like it’s the metropolitan cities that are getting all the allocations, but unfortunately, law and order is not confined to our cities. It’s in every town and village in Ireland, including all towns, not just Clonmel, Tipperary, Cashel, Cahir, Carrick-on-suir, Fethard, but Clonmel is particularly challenged at the moment.”

The debate around policing intensified after a video emerged showing two men injecting drugs at the Main Guard in the centre of Clonmel. The footage led to strong criticism from Cllr Richie Molloy, who says the community must no longer turn a blind eye to the extent of the drug problem.

According to Cllr Molloy, both residents and officials need to confront what is happening in public spaces. He believes elected representatives have a role to play in pressing national authorities on the issue.

It was time, he said, for Tipperary TDs to put pressure on the Garda Commissioner. He also expressed frustration that Clonmel received only one new Garda following last week’s passing out ceremony at the Garda Training College.

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