Tipperary garda to step up patrols and drug enforcement as calls grow for support

More Gardaí will be deployed on foot patrol in Clonmel, Cahir and Cashel throughout December, according to Superintendent Niall O’Connell, who says visibility remains central to tackling anti-social behaviour in town centres. The initiative reflects similar operations rolled out in the weeks before Christmas last year and again from March of this year.

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Despite acknowledging ongoing pressure on staffing levels, Superintendent O’Connell said he continues to prioritise community policing. He added that he is “very conscious of the need to combat anti-social behaviour on our streets” and aims to keep as many officers as possible on the beat.

The renewed policing plan comes amid heightened attention on drug use in Clonmel, following a recent video that appeared to show a person injecting in public at the Main Guard. Speaking on Tipp Today, Superintendent O’Connell said the incident highlighted a wider social issue that cannot be solved by enforcement alone.

“My job is to stop the supply of drugs. It will come as a multi-agency approach to address the addiction issues and the use of drugs on the street in Clonmel town,” he said.

He defended the work of the local drugs unit and said it remains one of the most productive in the region. “What I will say in relation to the enforcement issue of it is Clonmel town has the highest amount of drug searches in the Clare – Tipperary Division this year. We have the highest level of simple possession detections this year and we’re second only to one other area in the level of drugs for sale or supply.”

Superintendent O’Connell said Gardaí would continue to focus on disrupting dealers but warned that people struggling with addiction require support from other agencies if long term progress is to be made.

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