Meath town to get new Garda sergeant amid local safety concerns
A new Garda sergeant has been appointed to Athboy Garda Station and is due to take up duties next week, in a move that has been widely welcomed by local representatives.
Fianna Fáil TD for Meath West Aisling Dempsey described the development as “good news for Athboy”, saying the issue had been raised repeatedly at both local Garda and ministerial level.
“A sergeant has been appointed to Athboy Garda Station and will commence duties on April 13,” she said.
“This has been a matter of concern to myself and Cllr Mike Bray that we have raised at local Garda and ministerial level many times. We will be engaging with the new sergeant as soon as possible and emphasising the need for the station to be open and a Garda presence felt on Athboy’s streets.”
Fianna Fáil councillor Mike Bray also welcomed the move.
“Aisling Dempsey TD and I have been raising this matter with the Minister and Garda management. We look forward to meeting the new sergeant and highlighting the matters of concern to Athboy and the surrounding rural communities,” he said.
The appointment comes amid ongoing concerns locally about crime, including incidents of burglary and vandalism in recent months.
Independent councillor David Gilroy described the development as a positive step for the community.
“I want to warmly welcome the announcement of a new Sergeant assigned to Athboy Garda station,” he said.
“This is a positive and much-needed development for our community, and I wish them every success as they take up their post and begin their work on the ground. A visible and active Garda presence is vital for maintaining public safety, building trust, and supporting the day-to-day wellbeing of our area.
“This is something I and others have been working hard to secure for some years.”
However, he cautioned that the appointment must form part of a broader commitment to resourcing.
“Crime, and the fear of crime, has had a significant impact on our community for many years, affecting people’s sense of safety and quality of life. This is why proper resourcing of our local Garda station is so important,” Cllr Gilroy said.
“However, I think it’s important to be honest and measured in our response. We have seen similar announcements in the past, and too often they have not translated into the sustained level of resourcing our community truly needs. The ongoing challenges around Garda numbers, staffing, and resources remain very real.
“So while this is a step in the right direction and genuinely welcome, it must be part of a broader and consistent commitment to properly resource our local station over the long term.
“I will continue to engage with all stakeholders and the relevant authorities to ensure our community gets the policing support it deserves,” he added.