GARDA resources are set to be further cut in Limerick in the next 12 months, with preparations already underway to cope with additional pressure on the force. Chief Superintendent, Dave Sheehan said that the division had no choice but to meet the extra demand on resources following cuts. “We know where numbers are set to fall in the next 12 months and have made plans to cope with them,” he told the meeting, attended by cllrs, TDs and senior garda members. “It’s difficult but there’s nothing we can do”.
Gardaí in Limerick have already had to face the closure of two rural stations, a reduction in patrol cars and an embargo on recruitment.
And Chief Supt. Sheehan said the closure of further garda stations could not be ruled out.
He also praised the work of the garda reserve unit.
“Even now preparing rosters is difficult; We are acutely aware of government policy and have to use the resources we have in the division to provide the service.
“The garda reserve takes off a bit of the pressure.
“In the course of the college rag weeks and Thomond Park events, we couldn’t cope without them”.
Cllr James Collins highlighted the vacant position of superintendent in Askeaton and queried the policy in the case of a serious crime in the vicinity.
“We have a fallout situation in the case of an emergency that is not dependent on having a superintendent in Askeaton,” the head of the Limerick garda division replied.
“Inspector Eamon O’Neill is currently acting supt. and in the case of a crime scene, whoever’s on call will attend as all superintendents cannot be away at the same time”.
Cllr Kevin Sheahan called for less Joint Policing Committee meetings for the individual authority and for more at a district level.
“Once a year for these meetings is enough; I hate to see individuals and resources overstretched”.
Chief Supt. Sheehan agreed, saying that the meetings should be more strategic in content and that issues “such as wandering horses” should be dealt with at local level.
