Gardaí call for budget resources to combat rural crime

Middle-ranking gardaí have demanded the Government prioritise policing resources in the upcoming budget following an increase in crime, particularly in rural areas.

The Association of Garda Sergeant and Inspectors laid the blame on Garda station closures and austerity. It said the Government should now use the budget to prioritise and ringfence resources for “crime prevention, crime patrols and crime investigations”.

“This includes bolstering Garda numbers in both rural and urban areas,” said AGSI deputy general secretary John Jacob.