By Dan Walsh
Gorey-based Fine Gael election candidate, Darragh McDonald, has made a submission to the Garda Commissioner emphasising “that Garda resources in North Wexford are well below the national average and need urgent review.”
“Over the last number of months, as part of my election campaign, myself and my team have knocked on over 7,000 doors across North Wexford ranging from town streets to rural farms and there is a universal concern that while the local Gardaí in place are fantastic, overall resources in the areas are not sufficient,” stated Mr McDonald, who added; “I have also discussed the issue with members and retirees of an Garda Síochána and their expert view is similar.”
Mr McDonald. using CSO data, states that the combined number of Gardaí in Gorey and Courtown is 56 and he notes that; “If we look specifically at Courtown Garda Station it operates on a part-time basis with just one Garda resource allocated to the station to cover for a population of over 4,365 people and must be one of the worst resourced Garda stations in the country.
“As many will remember Gorey Garda station was downgraded from a district headquarters in 2013 losing its Superintendent, and since then has been a sub-district of Enniscorthy. I believe this decision was a serious mistake which could not have been supported by statistics and all politicians in the county significantly failed in pushing back hard enough against this at the time,” said Mr McDonald, who concluded; “If the Commissioner cannot rectify the situation immediately, he should clearly outline the criteria for an increase in resources and how often reviews are undertaken so we in North Wexford can clearly understand why we are in the situation we are in.”
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