Calls for improved Garda numbers for Longford

Sinn Féin's local election candidate for the Longford LEA, James Donnelly, has called on the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, to do more to improve Garda numbers in Longford after Garda recruitment targets were missed again for 2023.

Earlier today Minister McEntee announced a new recruitment campaign for An Garda Síochána which is now open for applications and closes on Thursday, February 8 next.

The Sinn Féin local election hopeful is critical of the progress by the current administration: “In 2022, Helen McEntee stated she was confident that 1000 Garda would pass out of Templemore in 2023. She didn't even make half that number. Only 388 new Garda enrolled and passed out while 162 actually left the force and that's not including retirements.”

Mr Donnelly said the failure to recruit has knock on effects locally: “Only recently, the community of Longford Town was informed at the Community Safety Expo at the Longford Arms Hotel that there is only ONE community Garda on the beat in the Town, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. Now we have a scenario where we are not even recruiting enough new Gardai to improve that number.”

He continued: "Garda morale is at an all-time low, specialised units are being disbanded and people who have spoken to me tell me they are afraid to walk through the streets at night due to a lack of Garda presence and persistent anti-social behaviour.”

The Longford LEA candidate concluded by saying: “Without adequate resources, Longford will continue to suffer and that lands at the feet of Helen McEntee and the Fine Gael/Fianna Fail led government. It's time the people of Longford are reassured and that Gardai are given proper support.”