New garda recruits for Tipperary welcome but not enough to tackle rural crime – Cllr O’Heney
A Tipperary councillor has welcomed the news that new garda recruits are to be allocated to Tipperary, but called for more to be done to tackle rural crime across the county.
Following the graduation of 154 new garda probationers from the Garda College in Templemore last week, four new gardaí are being allocated to Clonmel, while one will be in Tipperary town. In north Tipperary, Thurles will get two new gardaí, while Nenagh will get three.
Independent councillor John O’Heney welcomed news that five new gardaí would be allocated to stations in the south of the county, but said that more resources were needed.
"Any increase in garda presence is positive and very much welcomed. However, the reality is that south Tipperary continues to face significant challenges with rural crime, anti-social behaviour, and increasing pressures on community policing.
"The communities I represent are telling me every day that they need to see more gardaí on the ground, visible and active within our towns and villages,” Cllr O’Heney said.
While the allocation of new gardaí to the county is positive news, the independent councillor said it will fail to make any real change to crime rates across the county.
"South Tipperary is a large, rural area with unique policing needs. Extra resources are essential if we are to ensure that gardaí can respond effectively to incidents, support victims of crime, and engage with communities in a proactive way.
"Our gardaí are doing outstanding work under pressure, but they need more colleagues to share the burden,” he added.
"This isn’t just about numbers on paper – it’s about ensuring that people in south Tipperary feel safe in their homes, on their farms, and in their businesses. I will continue to campaign for the resources our communities deserve,” Cllr O’Heney concluded.