Local TD and Government Chief Whip, Hildegarde Naughton, said that she will ensure that the numbers of Gardai in Galway will be increased in the coming months. She was speaking after a series of public order offences on the streets of Galway over the last week.
“Like everyone else, I was horrified to see the footage of the recent violent criminality in our City. While much of it is the responsibility of a few families, it has the potential to damage our city’s reputation nationally and internationally and has no place in a civilised society,” Minister Naughton said.
“In that light I have engaged in recent days with Minister Helen McEntee and, while the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, I will ensure that Galway will receive an allocation from the approximately 400 gardai due to complete training in Templemore over the coming months,” the Minister stated.
“In relation to the most recent incidents, I would note that the Gardai know exactly who is responsible. Nine people were arrested after last weekend’s violence and have or will be appearing before the courts,” the Galway TD indicated.
Having spoken to the Minister for Justice, she has indicated that she will visit Galway in the coming weeks and will meet with representatives of business in the city and will also be engaging with the Garda authorities in Galway,” the Minister commented.
“To put matters in perspective, the Galway division has approximately 10% more Gardai than it had in 2015. That is not to say that with an increase in population it does not need more, but Galway remains a safe place to live, work and socialise.
“We should not let the actions of a reckless and criminal minority endanger that reputation. They will face the full rigour of the law and whatever resources the Gardai might need to deal with this criminal element will be forthcoming.”
