There is a growing disconnect between communities in working class areas in Dublin and the Gardai.
That’s according to Aontú’ s Tallaght Rep, Saoirse Ni Chonarain who says that she sees more ‘disrespect’ being levelled at members of the force and says the deployment of community Gardai is a fundamental key to addressing and remedying this.
She says.
“I see it every day, especially with the young people I know and work with; they make comments, give the ’ side eye’, and sadly feel ‘apart’; It’s not fair on the ordinary Gardai themselves who are trying to do a job and it’s not good for our communities. The Gardai are looked at with suspicion.
I don’t like saying it but a lot of people in more disadvantaged areas just have no respect for the Gardai.
There is more and more of a disconnect between communities that I am familiar with as I do a huge amount of community work on the ground, and the Gardai.
I passionately believe in community in the fullest sense as it means belonging, togetherness and cohesion.
Gardai are naturally part of community and community Gardai are absolutely key to that.
Their presence on the ground helps to foster trust, encourage positive relationships, and address issues before they escalate. In recent years, however, many working class areas in Tallaght and beyond have seen a steady reduction in the number of Community Gardai, leaving residents feeling isolated, unheard, and vulnerable.
“Residents tell me they no longer recognise the Gardai who patrol their neighbourhoods, and many feel there is little understanding for the unique challenges these communities face,” Ni Chonarain explained.
“Community Gardai are not just enforcers of the law. They are mentors, mediators, and a critical bridge between the people and the policing system.”
Aontú is constantly calling on the Government and Garda authorities to urgently allocate additional resources and personnel to Community Policing units serving areas with high population density and greater socio-economic needs. The presence of dedicated Community Gardai is essential in building safer streets, reducing anti-social behaviour, and supporting families.
Being a Garda is a very worthwhile career, some would say it is more of a vocation. It is a tough, hard and increasingly dangerous job and as we saw this week with the shocking stabbing of a young Garda.
We know that more and more Gardai are leaving the force and morale is at an all-time low. We in Aontú have been pointing this out time and time again. Not only does it affect the well-being of the Gardai but inevitably has a knock-on effect on the quality of policing delivered and the confidence of the communities they serve.
Many front line Gardai express a sense of frustration at dwindling resources, staff shortages, and mounting administrative burdens, leaving less time for meaningful engagement.
However, I have to say that with the appointment this week of a new Garda Commissioner, there is now some hope now that change may be in the offing.
“Investing in Community Gardai is investing in people’s safety and in the social fabric of these areas. We need boots on the ground – not just to respond to crime, but to prevent it, to offer support for vulnerable young people, and to be a visible, approachable part of everyday life,”
“For every Garda transferred away from these areas, there is a tangible loss,” Ni Chonairain concluded. “We are demanding action so that all families in Tallaght and similar communities can live, work, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.”
