Anger as Kilkenny overlooked for any new gardaí as 154 recruits graduate from Templemore
'Extremely frustrating that no additional garda resources have been deployed to any garda station in County Kilkenny'
No new gardaí are to be deployed to any garda station in Kilkenny from the latest graduation of 154 recruits from Templemore.
Local TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere (Fianna Fáil) has expressed his frustration at Kilkenny being overlooked following confirmation of the zero new gardaí this week.
“Whilst I acknowledge these additional garda are most welcome from a national perspective, it is extremely frustrating that no additional garda resources have been deployed to any garda station in County Kilkenny on this particular round,” he said.
“We need to see a strong signal of increased Garda presence in Kilkenny and our commitment to safer communities across the city and county,” he added. “I have spoken to the Minister Jim O’Callaghan at length about this over the weekend, and he has informed me that a new class of over 200 garda recruits are entering Garda College this week to begin their training.
“The next passing out is due in November, and it is imperative that Kilkenny gets its fair share when this allocation is completed. I have also written to the new Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly to ensure Kilkenny gets a significant increase in Garda resources next November,” said Deputy Cleere.
In July, Deputy Cleere warned that up to 78 gardaí could retire in the Waterford-Kilkenny division in the next three years, and said he would be championing Kilkenny so that garda numbers would not 'fall off a cliff'.
“We are very fortunate in Kilkenny that every community wants to see more gardaí visible in their area. It is one of the most effective measures we have for preventing crime and making people feel safer.
“In order for people to feel safe in their communities and homes, we need to support the existing force and ensure additional Garda resources are made available as a matter of urgency. This has to happen. Extra resources for Kilkenny are a non-negotiable.”