Incidents 'amplified' when in Longford but extra Garda resources are needed

More supports are needed in the county town to 'support the existing force' in apprehending criminals according to Longford TD Micheál Carrigy, who said some incidents can be 'amplified' when they happen in Longford.

The Fine Gael TD was speaking following a number of violent incidents in recent weeks and he acknowledged there were nine fewer Gardaí in county Longford late last year, but he said efforts were being made to boost the force in the county town.

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"A number have transferred into the county over the last number of months and they have transferred back from some of the cities.

"But notwithstanding that we're still looking for extra resources."

Deputy Carrigy said a new garda was due to start at Longford Garda Station on Monday, February 23, which is 'positive' but they will be looking to get additional resources as well.

"If you get a breakdown of the figures across the area and a lot of crime, there is a lot of successful [outcomes], the crime rates are down and there is a significant number being brought before the courts."

A suspected feud related incident happened on Monday night, February 9 when two men, aged in their 20’s and 30’s, were stabbed in Teffia Park at around 9pm with the more seriously injured of the two victims dumped outside Longford Garda Station.

The stabbings are believed to be connected to a previous incident in which a shot was fired at a house in Garvey’s Close area of Annaly Park in the early hours of Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Deputy Carrigy said he has been contacted by constituents and Longford town people who have expressed their concerns.

"Naturally enough, there was a lot of concern, but incidents like this are happening in every single district and town around the country.

"It tends to get amplified in Longford but I have strong faith in the local Gardaí to deal with any of the issues that there are.

"My job is to work to support them and support getting additional resources and make sure we are able to tackle those criminals that are in our community, particularly and as I say a lot of it is linked to drugs.

"That is something we want to eradicate, we need to deal with these people, work with the Criminal Assets Bureau and make sure any of these ill-gotten gains that are there from a number of these families that have been involved in criminal activity and drug dealing that they are dealt with and we see them jailed."

Deputy Carrigy said he believes certain courts could deal with things with a little more urgency.

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The courts in my opinion, certain courts particularly would need to deal with things a little bit more swiftly and speedily and make sure those who are brought before the courts are dealt with strongly, be-it imprisonment, but also we don't want to see a situation where guards are spending a significant amount of time being in the courts system when they don't need to be and they can be out doing other parts of their job.

"We've had a lot of significant drug busts in recent times and unfortunately a lot of the crime is linked to that, but we have been successful in the apprehension of criminals and we need more supports in there, in place, to support the existing force and make sure we do even more."