Halloween disturbance in Tipperary Town highlights lack of Gardaí resources

Garda Superintendent Eddie Golden has assured the people of Tipperary Town that the Gardaí are fully investigating the incidents that happened in Tipperary Town on Halloween night.

He confirmed that no arrests were made on the night and said that the gardaí were working to identify those involved and bring the culprits to justice.

Gardaí haven't so far received any reports of assaults arising from the incident.
Gardaí based in Tipperary Town were assisted by gardaí from Thurles in working to restore order to the area that night.
“It appears there were a number of ring leaders who were very premeditated. They had stockpiles of rocks and stones in anticipation of this.

“We are asking members of the public to come forward and identify the culprits. We are also asking anybody who has video footage to share it with us. They can do so by contacting Tipperary Garda Station at (062) 80670 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.”

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Gardaí appeal for public's help in tracing culprits responsible for 'serious' anti-social behaviour incident in James Connolly Park area

In relation to Sinn Féin’s criticisms of policing resources in Tipperary Town and the incident last Thursday night, he said the new Tipperary Community Safety Partnership that replaces Tipperary Joint Policing Committee will be an ideal forum to for them to raise the issues arising from this public order incident.
Sinn Féin Councillor, Annemarie Ryan, said she was saddened by what happened in Tipperary Town on the night of Halloween.
“What happened in Tipperary Town on Halloween should never have been allowed to happen,” she said.
Party counterpart Deputy Martin Browne said questions needed to be asked about the resources needed to enable gardai to curb the type of anti-social behaviour that happened on Halloween.

Cllr Annemarie Ryan said it was known from previous years that this part of the town was a pinch point for dangerous behaviour and it seemed that gardaí were ill prepared to deal with it.

“There are many good people living in East Tipperary town and many were prisoners in their own homes on Halloween. People travelling home were attacked, a sofa dragged and set on fire in the middle of the road, bricks and stones thrown through car windows. We have to have a plan for next year and An Garda Síochána and Tipperary Tipperary County Council, need to work with the local community representatives, and the residents associations in the area, to make sure this never happens again. I’ll be contacting all stakeholders to start this process. There is other work going on in the background to tackle the social deprivation issues in the area but that's a long term ask. Anyone who was affected by the lawlessness please contact the Gardaí so a record is on file as to the extent of the anti-social behaviour” said the councillor.
Deputy Martin Browne said that what was witnessed by residents in parts of Tipperary town on Halloween was unacceptable.

“The fact that this could happen indicates that the resources available to our emergency services is far from sufficient. This shortfall in resourcing has resulted in residents having to isolate themselves in their homes and being fearful from going outside. Effectively, local residents were prevented from exercising their rights as citizens from going about their business” said Deputy Browne.

“I understand the number of gardai on duty on Thursday night was insufficient to deal with the level of demand. This has been an ongoing matter locally and nationally for years and is one that rightfully needs discussion ahead of an imminent general election. Our government representatives need to step up and account for the record of their respective parties on the issue of policing on a local basis. Alongside Cllr. Annemarie Ryan, I have sought a meeting with local gardai on this matter and we are raising it with the Minister for Justice as well as the Minister for Rural and Community Development” said Deputy Browne.