Lack of Gardaí: People of Longford expect a service and need to be protected too

A Longford Oireachtas member has said he is concerned about a fall in local gardaí and he hopes it is not a trend whereby we 'lose gardaí, post offices, credit unions and local pubs'.

Fine Gael Senator Paraic Brady highlighted what he believes are problems facing Drumlish and Ballinamuck and rural areas in general in the Seanad in recent days..

He said there was uncertainty over local Garda numbers and some services and that is bring replicated nationwide.

"Our two local gardaí, Donal Madden and Justin Browne - I have permission to name them - who have given significant service to the community, have now retired.

"This leaves us with one garda to maintain a huge rural area in north Longford," he added.

Senator Brady urged the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to come to the Upper House to "address the concerns about the lack of gardaí" in rural stations.

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"We have seen an increase in the number of gardaí on the streets of Dublin and other cities but we must not forget that the rural people of Ireland expect a service and need to be protected too.

"I hope that will be addressed sooner rather than later," he added.

In relation to credit unions, Senator Brady said the local credit union in Ballinamuck closed a little less than six months ago and "it has been raised" that their local credit union in Drumlish is due to close in the coming months.

"We have also received notification that our local post office is in danger of closing and is under review," he added.

Senator Brady also commended local publican Tom Cassidy, who served the community for 18 years and retired last Sunday.

"Tom has been a great servant to the community in Drumlish and Ballinamuck for many years.

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"We ran charity events and raised funds and he made his premises available free of charge to the local community for fundraisers. "He supported our community for a number of years.

"I hope this is not a trend that is coming whereby we lose gardaí, post offices, credit unions and local pubs. I hope some of this can be addressed," he added.

Fine Gael Senator Seán Kyne, the Leader of the Seanad, responded to Senator Brady and his fears over services.

"He is quite right to highlight them but I do not have an answer for him," he added.

Senator Kyne stated a number of issues were raised and the pub was obviously a private matter and he hoped someone else would take over the establishment as it is important for the community.

"I urge the Senator to engage with An Post directly in respect of the post office," he said. "The Senator also indicated he would like the Minister for Justice come to the House to discuss Garda numbers and I will request that."

Senator Kyne stated while allocations are a matter for the Garda Commissioner, the Minister could highlight those issues to the Garda Commissioner.

An Post has denied that Drumlish Post Office is 'in danger' of closing and a spokesperson said it was not the case.

"The Postmaster in Drumlish is retiring and we have advertised the contract there.

"The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday next April 11th and no reason to believe that we wont proceed to appoint a business partner to provide post office services to the people of Drumlish and surrounds."

A Garda spokesperson said, "We do not comment on named individuals, on retired members of An Garda Síochána, or on third party statements."