Two Wicklow garda stations to receive new recruits

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Just two of the 154 new recruits to the Garda force attested last month have been assigned to County Wicklow.

One is expected to be stationed in Wicklow town, while another is expected to be assigned to Bray. Despite being one of the fastest-growing communities in the country, Greystones has been overlooked in the latest allocation.

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

In response to the figures, Cllr Stephen Stokes, who lives in Greystones, pointed out the growth has not been matched by proportional investment in policing.

“Our police numbers in the Greystones station seem to have gone backwards. Yet we are one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. Sometimes we hear that Charlesland, Delgany, Greystones, Kilcoole. Killadreenan and Newcastle are being covered from Bray. It is an unstainable situation.”

Cllr Stokes is now calling on the Government to make policing in County Wicklow more of a top priority.

“This must be about fairness, safety, and decisive planning for the future. Community safety cannot be left to chance, and it must be treated as a top priority.”

Wicklow-Wexford TD Brian Brennan has also expressed his disappointment and concern that there have been no probationer Garda appointments made across the constituency.

“With a population of approximately 100,000 residents this decision does not serve our community well and is simply unacceptable.

“In Arklow, there have been a series of high profile, anti-social incidents in recent weeks and people are genuinely concerned and calling out for more visible Garda support.

“I have had multiple contacts from Rathdrum, Barriniskey, Kilmuckridge, Bunclody – all concerned with rural crime and their fear and frustration at feeling isolated and alone with limited access to Garda resources.”

“Gorey-Courtown-Riverchapel is one of the fastest growing areas in Ireland and Garda numbers must increase in line with this growth. Deputy Brennan has written to the Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan asking him to revisit these allocations.

“Not allocating officers to these areas is sending out the wrong message.” he added.