12 fewer Gardaí policing in the area since 2012. New figures released to Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West John Curran, show a significant decrease in the number of Gardaí stationed in Rathcoole Garda Station over the past 5 years. In information received by the Deputy from Justice Minister, Charlie Flanagan through parliamentary question, it was revealed that there has been a drop of 12 Gardaí in our local Garda station of Rathcoole.
Deputy Curran commented, “Over 100 newly attested members of An Garda Síochána were assigned to the DMR West Division in 2014 following the reopening of the Garda College in Templemore. However, during the same period the number of Gárdaí in Rathcoole station is on a continuous decline. “I have been informed that some 27 Gardaí were assigned to Rathcoole Garda Station in 2012, while there are now just 15 deployed at the station. What is particularly concerning is that the rate in crime has steadily increased.
“There were 86 vehicle thefts in Rathcoole in the first half of this year, an increase of almost 60%. A total of 56 burglaries were carried out in Rathcoole between January-August of this year, while theft from local shops has risen by over 20% since the same time last year. “Rathcoole Garda station is open 10am-1pm and 2pm -6pm Monday to Sunday, subject to the availability of Garda personnel. Visibility plays a huge part in deterring crime and easing the fears of local people, the fact is that there are not enough Gardaí policing and patrolling our area.
“There is a very real need for the allocation of extra Garda resources in this locality. “Fianna Fáil secured a commitment under the Confidence and Supply Arrangement for increased Garda recruitment and I am therefore calling on the Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan to ensure that Rathcoole Garda Station receives an increased allocation of personnel once the new recruits graduate later this year.
“As a member of the Joint Policing Committee I am acutely aware of the issues in our area and regularly raise these matters during debate. “It is important that the people of Rathcoole feel secure and that means having visible Garda presence in the area,” concluded Deputy Curran.
