Concern over Community Garda cutbacks

Community Garda cutbacks have left some of Dublin’s most vulnerable areas with less officers than last year, it emerged today.

Department of Justice figures obtained by Labour’s Joe Costello revealed that stations across the city now have 23 fewer community gardaí than before.

The south inner city, including areas like Fatima Mansions, Pearse St and St Michael’s Estate in Inchicore, has lost five of its 27 community officers with Tallaght loosing four. Finglas has only 12 Community Gardaí, down one from 2004, while Blanchardstown has only 17, two fewer than 2001.

“The whole idea behind Community Gardaí is that they will be there to liaise with local people and local groups so they can keep their finger on the pulse of what’s going on locally,” said Deputy Costello.

“They also provide a valuable role in keeping these groups informed as to what local initiatives are being taken to reduce crime, and in giving advice on how crime can be tackled.

“The indication that there are fewer Community Gardai in so many parts of Dublin is very alarming indeed. Is it any wonder that crime is such a problem in the capital?”

Reductions since 2004 are: Tallaght down 24 to 20; Pearse St down 15 to 11; Ronanstown down 16 to 13; Raheny down 6 to 4; Kevin St down 8 to 7; Kilmainham down 6 to 5; Donnybrook down 5 to 4; Crumlin down 5 to 4; Clontarf down 6 to 5; Finglas down 13 to 12; Leixlip down 4 to 3; Mountjoy down 14 to 13; Dun Laoghaire down 5 to 4; Dundrum down 6 to 5.

Mr Costello added: “It has been proven that a well-resourced Community Garda team contributes hugely to reducing crime. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."