Review of garda allocation for Wicklow sought as chief superintendent called on to act

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

District councillors in Greystones have agreed to write to the superintendent at Greystones Garda Station to express their concerns about the recent officer allocation.

Of the 154 new gardaí attested in August, only two were assigned to County Wicklow.

One has been assigned to go to Wicklow town, while another is earmarked for Bray.

The move comes after Cllr Stephen Stokes brought a motion before his district colleagues during their September monthly meeting.

Despite being one of the fastest-growing communities in the country, Cllr Stokes believes the town has been overlooked in the latest allocation.

In his remarks, Cllr Stokes paid tribute to the gardaí currently serving in Greystones, commending their professionalism, dedication, and strong engagement with the community.

He highlighted the work already being carried out but warned that stretched resources are placing huge pressures on the service.

“The gardaí in Greystones are doing a great job, considering the resources provided to them. They deserve the highest praise for their efforts. Every day they go above and beyond to protect our community, often with fewer resources than are truly needed. However, the fact that Wicklow has received just two new gardaí, and that none have been allocated to Greystones, is a significant issue.”

Greystones and its surrounding areas have experienced rapid population growth in recent years, with new housing developments and a rising demand for public services.

Cllr Stokes pointed out that this growth has not been matched by proportional investment in policing.

“Sometimes we hear that Charlesland, Delgany, Greystones, Kilcoole. Killadreenan and Newcastle are being covered from Bray. It is an unsustainable situation. We must ensure that we retain our current gardaí, while also recruiting new people."

Cllr Stokes is now calling on the chief superintendent for Wicklow and Wexford to urgently make policing in the region a greater priority. He warned that failure to act will only heighten the pressure on existing gardaí and leave communities vulnerable.

He concluded by saying Greystones deserves its fair share of garda resources.

“I am calling on the powers that be to recognise the importance of supporting our local stations and to ensure that Wicklow is not left behind.”