Concerns raised over garda numbers and visibility in Kilkenny

Ten gardaí in Kilkenny have left or retired since February and only one new garda has arrived according to the Chief Superintendant of the Kilkenny/Waterford/Carlow Division.

Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit told members at Monday’s meeting of the Joint Policing Committee that there has been ‘a reducion of ten gardaí in Kilkenny since February and only one garda coming in’.

Cllr Eugene McGuinness raised concerns around garda visibility.

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“I don’t see any gardaí on the High Street. We have to stand up and say that there are not enough gardaí coming out. It is not a reflection on gardaí but on the Government.”

Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick asked how many new recruits have be allocated to the garda division and to Kilkenny in a recent allocation.

Cllr Deirdre Cullen told members that the ‘only way to get the figures down is to get boots on the ground’.

“The only significant way of reducing crime is visibility and enforcement,” she said.
Chief Supt Petitt said that ‘right across the country there is a need for further resources’ and said that Kilkenny received one additional garda as a result of the recent allocation .

“I am satisfied that we will get our share of the pie and see boots on the ground as time goes on,” he added.

The Chief Supt also sent out a clear message at the meeting encouraging people to report anti-social behaviour and any suspicious criminal activity.

“I would encourage people to ring 999 if they need a garda. When gardaí are out and about and the regional control centre receives a phone call they can contact gardaí and they can go straight to that call,” he added.