Myshall community policing
Deputy Murnane O'Connor raised refurbishment needs for Myshall Garda station, including communications and computer equipment, to support community policing. The Minister said the Government wants high-visibility community policing, pointed to recruitment efforts and funding for additional gardaí, and the Ceann Comhairle made a light procedural remark.
I also want to talk about community policing, and it is one of the best examples of how our Garda force works.
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Where does the Ceann Comhairle think?
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Last week in Myshall, County Carlow, the superintendent and members of An Garda Síochána community policing unit met. I have concerns because the village Garda station needs refurbishment. It needs proper communication equipment, Internet and computer equipment in order for the new community Garda to be able to function properly when in the village. While I know the community Garda cannot be full-time in the village, the villagers want, as the Minister knows, to keep their Garda station open, active and a presence.
I am told that funding is not available. This is going to be a huge concern; the Minister is right. The superintendents and community policing units are going around a lot of the counties and rural areas but there has been a lot of cutbacks. I understand operational matters and I know they are nothing to do with Leinster House or the Oireachtas. However, funding is, and community policing and the lack of it is the biggest issue facing us going forward.
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I thank the Deputy for raising the issue regarding Myshall in Carlow. It is the Government's policy that we want high-visibility policing, and our community gardaí do a fantastic job. We certainly want to see more of them in communities, out and about and engaging with local residents. The key for us is to increase recruitment and that is why we are, as the Deputy knows, embarking on a very significant recruitment campaign at the moment. Enough funding was provided in the current year for 1,000 additional gardaí and budget 2024 has also provided funding for more progress when it comes to recruitment. We have a growing population. We have needs across the country, including in Carlow, and I know the Garda Commissioner will take note of the points the Deputy has made.