Labour Councillor Elaine McGinty has expressed concerns over the falling number of Gardaí in County Meath where there is just one Garda for every 712 people, way below the national average of one for every 371 people.
She says that Gardaí in the Meath area are resigning or retiring quicker than new recruits can be brought on stream.
“A recent Freedom of Information Request to get behind the actual numbers covering Meath reveals a very serious situation” she said. “Currently, there are only 313 Gardaí serving the entire Meath Division.”
“Despite 51 new recruits assigned to Meath since 2020, 28 retirements and 11 departures during the same period have resulted in only 12 additional Garda for Co. Meath since 2020.
“The 2022 census figures for Co. Meath, with a population of 222,826, reveal that there is just one Garda for every 712 people, significantly below the national average of one for every 371 people. This disparity is compounded by the anticipation of 41 eligible retirements in the next two years.
“In light of these stark statistics, it is clear that Co. Meath urgently requires at least double the current number of Garda, amounting to at least 600, to align with both current population figures and the national average.
“It is no wonder Gardai are considering industrial action given the unwavering public service that they give day in and day out. Not only do they not have the resources, but new recruits face lower pay and conditions since 2013.
“The Government is responsible for this collapse in Garda frontline numbers and it now needs to explain why the people of Ireland are being left without adequate policing.
“In Labour’s Alternative Budget published in September 2022, we called for the recruitment of an additional 800 trainees to help tackle the increase in anti-social behaviour, home burglaries and serious incidents of crime.
“As well as the additional numbers of Gardai needed, Labour also budgeted to provide enough funding to meet the request of an additional net 429 civilian staff, thus freeing up more frontline Gardai to patrol our streets and keep our communities safe.
“People in all parts of Co Meath, rural and urban, want to feel safe and they want to feel secure in their own homes and on our streets.”
