A 48 per cent decrease in the number of Community Gardaí in Limerick since 2010 is causing “chaos” in parts of the city as antisocial behaviour spikes.
That’s according to Sinn Féin’s Limerick TD Maurice Quinlivan who has expressed his deep concern over the fact that there are now only 38 Community Gardaí on duty, compared with 73 eight years ago.
And he claims that gangs of 50 to 60 young people often more than 100 strong are congregating playing loud music, drinking and taking drugs in Thomondgate.
“These gangs are causing huge stress, fear and annoyance to local residents, many of whom are elderly.
“The number of Community Gardaí has fallen from 73 in 2010 to only 38 in 2017, a decrease of some 48 per cent. This is shameful and shows that the Government have no interest in investing in Community Policing,” Deputy Quinlivan claimed.
“It is clearly leading to a poor Garda response and leaving residents feeling deserted and let down. The last number of weeks, since Christmas have seen a huge spike in anti-social behaviour in parts of the city.”
He maintains that the decline in Community Gardaí is especially stark in some divisions with Limerick particularly badly affected.
“In 2007, there were 330 Gardaí in the Henry Street District; today there are only 307.
“Similarly the Roxboro Road Garda District has dropped from 134 to 128 despite the Fitzgerald report in 2007 saying Limerick will need ‘a minimum of 100 additional Gardaí’.
“As a local elected representative, I know from working with designated Community Gardaí that the difference a good community Garda can make to an area and to individuals and families is huge. It can be transformative,” he declared.
Deputy Quinlivan believes Community Gardaí can build up relationships and trust with people at risk of offending, particularly young people, and direct them in a more positive direction, such as through the Garda Youth Diversion Projects.
“They also improve public confidence in policing locally, and ingrain themselves in community activity locally. I have seen the difference that Community Gardaí can make in various local community and voluntary groups there are involved in Limerick.
“Failing to make these kinds of investments could undo the good work that was built up, particularly in disadvantaged communities, over many years. It is increasingly clear that successive Governments have zero interest in Community Policing and is unwilling to invest in it. The fact that the number of Community Gardaí has fallen off a cliff, and indeed is still falling, is proof of that. It is scandalous. The Minister needs urgently to start addressing these decreases, people deserve better policing and to feel safe in their own homes,” he concluded.
by Alan Jacques
