Murphy expresses reservations about Garda staffing levels in Strokestown

Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy has expressed reservations about the current staffing levels at Strokestown Garda station. Deputy Murphy recently tabled a series of parliamentary questions with the Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan in relation to the issue.

“I am not satisfied with the recent replies I have received from the Minister for Justice in relation to the number of Garda officers at Strokestown Garda Station- the figures show that there were six officers in Strokestown back in 2014 and for the past number of years there have been five. I have reservations about the exact staffing levels in Strokestown. The latest figures provided for January 2019 officially show there are five officers stationed in Strokestown but in reality on the ground on a daily basis this is not the case- there are very often only two officers in Strokestown and at times those members can be under enormous pressure.

“Gardai in Strokestown now have a much larger area to cover due to the closure of other rural Garda stations in recent years and they are under increasing pressure. The Minister for Justice is merely skirting around the issue in response to my parliamentary questions as in reality there are not five officers in Strokestown Garda station on a daily basis,” said Deputy Murphy.

“I will be seeking further clarification from the Minister for Justice and the Department of Justice in relation to this matter”, said Deputy Murphy.

The Fianna Fáil TD said that rural Ireland was getting a raw deal on security and people are upset. “When are we going to have real security in rural Ireland? It is very difficult for communities to work with Gardai when many of these communities have been raided of Gardai resources and a number of stations across County Roscommon have closed in recent years,” said Deputy Murphy.

Deputy Murphy said that rural communities have been hit time and time again.  “Fear levels have increased, particularly in areas which have seen Garda numbers drop-A strong Garda presence is an extremely important tool in the fight against crime. We cannot afford to be complacent in relation to these issues,” concluded Deputy Murphy.