Drop in garda numbers in area hit by killings

The fall in numbers comes as gardaí prepare policing plans for gangland funeral

Gardaí outside Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown after a shooting incident which occurred on Christmas Eve. Picture: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie

The resources available to the garda district facing a renewed upsurge in gangland violence has reduced significantly in recent years, according to official figures and security sources.

The amount of frontline gardaí in the ‘K’ district in Dublin Metropolitan Region West division — covering Blanchardstown, Finglas, and Cabra — has declined by 11% compared to three years ago.