John Curran T.D. has called the Garda resources in Rathcoole miniscule and ineffective for policing the growing population in the greater Rathcoole area. Deputy Curran was speaking in the Dáil recently, after securing a special debate on the matter, with the Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan TD, he said; “A number of weeks ago, I attended a public meeting in City West Hotel on this issue regarding Garda resources in the greater Rathcoole area. It was a very well attended meeting. People spoke of their own particular incidents and the response from An Garda Síochána. Since that meeting my office has received petition letters from residents in Rathcoole, Saggart and Newcastle on the issue.
“There is evidence of an increase in crime, as reported at the Joint Policing Committees, Burglary, for the first four months, in comparison to the previous ones, was up almost 50% in the area. Criminal damage was up 47%. Theft from motor vehicles was up 67%. Public order incidents were up 57%. “The people in Rathcoole, Saggart and Newcastle feel that they are being ignored. During the debate the Minister spoke of additional resources being allocated to DMR West Division. “However, there is no evidence to suggest that any of the additional deployment of Garda resources, that has occurred to date has materialised in the Rathcoole area. Therein lies the problem. According to the Minister DMR West is increasing in Garda resources , but the number of Gardaí in Rathcoole remains at 14. This is the lowest ever recorded. People in Rathcoole deserve the level of service the Minister talked about in terms of a physical presence. It is not happening.
“The Minister must bring this point directly to the Commissioner; that the area around Rathcoole, Newcastle and Saggart has a minuscule number of Gardaí, an ineffective and inefficient number to police the greater area that it is supposed to cover. I have appealed to the Minister to make that plea to the Garda Commissioner. I acknowledge that the numbers are being deployed in DMR west. I am specifically saying we need to increase them in Rathcoole,” concluded the Deputy.
