An upcoming public meeting to be held in Clare next week (13th February) will hear how locals and business owners are growing increasingly nervous and frustrated about ongoing incidents of crime in the county.
‘Safer Clare’ is a new initiative spearheaded by Aontú Clare Rep, June Dillon, who will be joined on the night by party leader, Deputy Peadar Toibin for a public meeting
She says “This initiative has been devised in response to what I heard from the public while canvassing prior to the general election. I’m a resident of West Clare resident and I heard story after story of incidents which the public felt were directly attributed to the lack of Garda resources in the county, and a lack of political will by those in government.”
“People have shared their fears with me that they are fearful that that crime is becoming almost an ‘inevitability’ in this region . Petty theft and more serious incidents of burglary are escalating as burglars know that there is a good chance of them getting away with their crimes due to the lack of Gardai”.
“Crimes such as theft, drug offences, criminal damage, assault and sexual violence are leaving people vulnerable and afraid.”
“Elderly people are very vulnerable, and this is a serious worry. It is a disgrace that they dread winter nights for fear of being targeted by thugs who thrive under the cover of darkness”.
“Our farmers are having expensive machinery and other items stolen and this is causing them untold stress and hardship and they are no strangers to that”.
“We’re hearing stories of burglars removing the tiles and slates and smashing windows to gain access to businesses. It’s audacious and brazen but it’s happening. Business owners are facing an uphill battle to keep going in the face of ever spiralling cost of living expenses and operational costs”.
“Garda personnel here in Clare are stretched to the limit and it is not fair. This is a big county and and given it is so close to two of our major cities it needs additional resources”. Looking at 2024 (Q1 and Q2) CSO figures for Crime in Clare show that theft, burglary and robberies are the highest incidence, with substantial figures also shown for “attempts/threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences”, as well as “public order and other social code offences” “disorderly conduct”, “damage to property and the environment”, and “criminal damage”.
Rank and file Garda numbers are at the lowest in 6 years. Indeed, Ireland has now one of the smallest per capita police forces in the whole of the EU. As of 31st Mar 24 Clare/Tipperary Garda Division had 660 Gardai.
“Being a Garda is also more dangerous than ever. Aontú discovered that 2,411 Gardaí have been assaulted while on active duty over the last decade. It is completely unacceptable that hundreds of Gardaí going about their service to the community would be assaulted”.
“Aontú has been raising this issue consistently both at local and national level. We are on record for highlighting the fact that the Garda Commissioners push for a new operating Policing Model has exacerbated an already acute policing shortage, leaving Clare badly exposed”.
“The Clare Garda Division serves Tipperary, and it is absurd to think that there is just one Superintendent and one Detective Superintendent overseeing all serious crime from Loop Head to the Tipperary Kilkenny border”.
“The Association of Garda Superintendents has raised alarm over this model, describing it as “idealistic” and lacking real consideration for the impact on both Gardaí and residents. Prior to this, Clare had four superintendents stationed strategically across the county in Ennis,Killaloe,Ennistymon, and Kilrush. Now, under the new model, all are consolidated in Ennis, resulting in weakened community connections and diminished response capabilities.”
“The Association of Garda Superintendents has urged for an increase in additional superintendents to better serve areas like Clare, where resources are stretched to breaking point”.
“The newly appointed Minister for Justice, Jim O’ Callagan has announced a recruitment drive but talking to Gardai in Co. Clare they are not optimistic that this will serve to improve the situation as they say that so many are set to retire over the next three years as it is, any new recruits will just replace the retirees. One Senior Garda expressed concern that this new recruitment drive will not even touch the numbers required. “Too many people who are joining the force are leaving shortly afterwards. The real issue is pay and pensions. This is not at all attractive. It is difficult to fight for the reopening of small local stations given there is not the manpower to cover them. It is a vicious circle, and this new Minister for Justice has to get to grips with it as a matter of urgency”.
“The people of Clare deserve and need a strong, well-supported Garda force. The reopening of local stations is absolutely paramount. We know that a strong visible Garda presence does serve as a deterrent to criminals intent on causing untold damage”.
“Given we now have a new Government, Aontú will continue its mission to hold them to account, truly to account and this public meeting in Clare next week is yet another platform for us to do this”.
Dillon says that the cost-of-living crisis, health, infrastructure and agriculture will also be up for discussion on the night.
She says “Safer Clare can really extend to all these topics. For example, we have just come through the worst storm in living memory which exposed for once and for all our very vulnerable critical infrastructure. We want to know what our government plans to do in future similar severe weather events so that people are not frozen cold in their homes, cut off and fearful”.
Road safety is also an issue with the condition of roads in Clare a particular concern, potentially leading to accidents, aswell as wear and tear on vehicles. Ms Dillon stated “The main road to West Clare from Ennis is not fit for purpose, and has not been upgraded to the level it should have been for the last 40 years, let alone the condition of sinking side roads everywhere around the county. Realistic investment is needed in road infrastructure to sustain rural communities.”
“I really urge the people of Clare to come out and connect with us on the night. Any groups involved in public safety are welcome to attend as it’s all about working together for our communities and county.”
