FEARS are mounting in Limerick that garda patrol cars due to be decommissioned, might not be replaced, as has already happened in county Clare.
In recent months, garda services were cut for two communities in the county, with Doon and Shanagolden stations set to close, while the hours of others are being reduced under government cost saving measures in the public sector.
It has now come to light that the government will not replace ‘marked’ cars that are decommissioned after they have clocked up a mileage limit of around 300,000 kilometres.
An unconfirmed but significant number of garda cars in Limerick, are believed to be in the zone of the limit.
It has emerged that eight decommissioned garda cars in Clare are not to be replaced.
Of the 13 patrol cars left in Clare, nine are already near the limit.
Limerick garda headquarters could not yet confirm the number of cars that were at, or approaching, the mileage limit, at the time of going to print.
“This is a very important issue, especially for people in rural constituencies, where members can’t patrol on foot, as there is too much ground to cover,” said Limerick Deputy Niall Collins.
Speaking to the Limerick Post, the TD said he “could not understand why the government will not allow gardaí to purchase new cars when money is there”.
He explained that people in isolated areas are feeling increasingly vulnerable without a garda presence.
“People are anxious and worried as recent crime statistics have shown an increase in burglaries in the county.
“Its ludicrous that the gardaí won’t be able to pursue these criminals who are going house- to- house carrying out crimes, aided and abetted by their getaway vehicles.
“It begs the question of what the gardaí will actually be doing in rural areas when they don’t have vehicles to get around in”.
He called on the government and minister for justice to step up to the mark and place people’s security back at the top of the agenda.
