GE20224... Low number of gardai drawing high level of criticism

LAW & ORDER

Crime and anti-social behaviour are major issues across the county with many communities and businesses complaining of experiencing criminal damage, robbery and intimidation.

Smashed windows, assaults on staff, rise in drug use, intimidation by youths and the scourge of graffiti have all been raised by businesses in the county in recent years,

Earlier this year, a massive 33 per cent spike in crime figures for Navan was described as “terrifying”.

Crime levels in Navan last year broke all previous records with the total number of offences at 2,074. Figures published by the Central Statistics Office show3e significant jumps in particular categories of crime in Navan including robbery (+85pc); theft (+50pc); damage to property (+36pc), assaults (+28pc) and drugs (+28pc), while other crime categories fell over the year.

The county's opposition TDs point out that there are fewer gardai in Meath today than in 2009 and Meath continues to have the lowest number of gardai per head of population in the country.

Sinn Féin TD Johnny Guirke for Meath West said: “It is deeply concerning to hear of the alarming rise in burglaries targeting homes across rural areas and throughout Meath. As these incidents increase, it is important that Meath is not overlooked in the allocation of new Garda recruits.

“I have consistently raised the urgent need for increased Garda numbers in Meath and I will continue to call for this essential resource until we see a strengthened presence in Meath. It is crucial that Garda stations such as Ballivor, Enfield, Athboy, Oldcastle and Summerhill are adequately staffed and maintained as these rural stations provide security and peace of mind that our communities are calling for."

Justice Minister and Meath East candidate Helen McEntee said that an unprecedented amount of money is being spent to help recruitment and retention of gardai.

“Meath has had its fair share of Garda recruits and there will be more allocations over the coming months and Meath will benefit.

“We have just increased the training allowance again to attract more recruits. It is almost twice what it was. Meath historically has had its challenges regarding garda numbers but significant numbers have been coming to Meath from recent graduations. I want to see that continue.