Galway’s two Garda divisions will be united into a single Galway division from Thursday under administrative changes being introduced under the Policing Plan.
Galway has traditionally been divided into two Garda divisions — Galway West, overseen from Galway Garda Station, and Galway East/Roscommon, administered from Ballinasloe. The new division will follow local authority boundaries and will bring the county under the administration of a single divisional office.
Chief Superintendent Donal Ó Cualáin said that a project board has been established locally to manage the change and this is being led by the Chief Superintendent.
“This is an opportunity to shape the future of policing in this area,” Chief Supt Ó Cualáin said. “We are bringing the Garda divisions into line with local authority boundaries so we can work more effectively with joint policing committees and work in partnership with communities to deliver an efficient, focused and professional service.”
Under the changes the Galway Garda Division will gain the Tuam and Ballinasloe districts as well as the sub-districts of Ballygar, Creggs, and Ballymoe. The Ballinasloe Garda district will continue to police 10 towns in Co Roscommon to allow for the expansion of Ballinasloe town.
The changes will come into effect on Thursday, January 1.
