Mayo Fianna Fáil representative, Lisa Chambers, has called on Minister Alan Shatter to stop the cuts to Garda numbers at a time when crime figures soar.
Ms Chambers said: “Crime is going through the roof, in particular rural crime, I don't think any reasonable person could think that reducing Garda numbers is the way to go.
“People are frightened and don't feel their homes are safe and protected. We need more Gardaí, not less,” she continued.
According to Ms Chambers the fact that the reduction in numbers is being publicised, criminals now know that there has never been a better time to commit a crime.
“I can appreciate that Minister Shatter is attempting to make savings, but I don't think sacrificing people's safety is where these savings should be made. He needs to reconsider his approach here because damage is being done,” she said.
