Senator Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fáil) has voiced concerns about the level of Garda resources in County Roscommon, stating that many residents now feel unsafe in their homes.
Speaking during a recent Seanad Éireann Commencement Debate, Senator Murphy highlighted fears among the public about home and business intrusions, pointing to a lack of Garda cover in the area, particularly on weekend nights.
He noted that on some weekend nights, there are reportedly only two Gardaí available to cover vast areas stretching from Castlerea to Strokestown, Tarmonbarry, and Boyle.
“If this is the true picture, it truly is a shocking low level of policing. It is totally unacceptable and has got to be changed,” Senator Murphy told the Seanad.
In addition to concerns about Garda presence, Senator Murphy questioned whether the Government has any plans to reopen Garda stations closed in recent years, such as the station in Tarmonbarry, which he argues is vital for monitoring suspicious activity along the River Shannon.
Minister Malcolm Noonan, responding on behalf of the Government, promised to convey these concerns to Minister Helen McEntee.
Separately, in a meeting with Fianna Fáil’s justice spokesman, Deputy Jim O’Callaghan, Murphy raised issues around bail for repeat offenders, arguing that those with multiple offences should not be granted bail and should instead be held on remand.
“We must insist on such people being held on remand,” he said, calling for stronger action to protect communities from “marauding gangs”.
Recent crime statistics from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) underscore these concerns. Property-related crime in the region, including burglary and theft, has risen over the past year.
Nationally, incidents of burglary increased by 9% in the year to Q2 2024, while theft-related offences rose by 8%, reflecting a worrying trend in crime affecting local communities, including Roscommon.
Senator Murphy concluded his remarks to the Roscommon People by urging the Government to address the issue and provide the Roscommon/Galway region with a better policing system to ensure public safety.
