Garda numbers under fire after raids

A CALL has been made for a designated garda presence in a Co Waterford village after two robberies in recent days.

Following a raid at the post office in Stradbally on Friday last, the home of a local priest was also burgled over the Bank Holiday.

Waterford senator Brendan Kenneally claimed the garda authorities had not replaced an officer that retired in the village two years ago.

“The station has undergone refurbishment so there’s no reason that Stradbally should be without a garda presence,” he said.

“Gardaí from Tramore are investigating the robbery in Stradbally post office on Friday which involved three men — one of whom was armed with a handgun.

“The people of Stradbally shouldn’t have to depend on a town six miles away for garda help,’’ he said. “I understand that the home of a local priest was since broken into — underlining the need for a specific garda presence in Stradbally.”

Mr Kenneally added: “The town is now home to some 1,000 people and larger towns, in its immediate hinterland such as Tramore and Dungarvan, are expanding rapidly.

“It’s vital that the garda authorities now consider assigning a garda to Stradbally as a matter of urgency.”