Garda resources lagging behind growing population, says Councillor

A Councillor says that recently released data outlines that approximately there are 15,000 active criminal investigations remain open in Blanchardstown, Finglas and Cabra.

Citing the fact that the DMR West region consists of Blanchardstown, Finglas and Cabra, independent Councillor Tania Doyle said that the growing population of the areas were not in proportion to the policing resources allocated to them.

Doyle, who sits on Fingal County Council, said “it is believed that in the region of 10% of all Garda resignations are from members based in DMR Garda Stations.”

“As a member of the Joint Policing Committee, figures recently released to me clearly, by any metric, show that Blanchardstown Station specifically is undermanned and under-resourced.”

“Demands on the members and resources increase exponentially, such demands being exacerbated by the specifics of the population density and demographic.”

Doyle referenced recent CSO (Central Statistics Office) data that shows that the current population of Limerick City is now on a par with that of Blanchardstown alone, and more resources were needed.

“It is logical to use Limerick City as a metric given similar populations, yet the stark reality and differential is where Dublin 15 is served with one Garda Station, Limerick City is served by three.”

“At no time would I suggest that less resources should be allocated to Limerick, far from it, I am a strong believer in the provision of greater resources to communities within our country. What I am saying however is that Dublin 15, our Blanchardstown Station, needs a lot more.”

“The lack of appropriate manpower and associated resources diminishes the ability of the members and management in Blanchardstown Station in supporting the community to the best of their ability,” she said.

She noted that Kellystown, which is adjacent to Barnhill and approximately 3kms “as the crow flies” from Blanchardstown Garda Station, has a Local Area Plan in place.

“Although currently no development has been approved, it is likely that we may see an application or applications being submitted within the lifetime of the current County Development Plan,” she said.

Doyle says she wrote to the Minister for Justice on a number of occasions explaining that Dublin 15 requires “appropriate resources” but said the response from the Minister has been negative.

The response read “I would again like to emphasise to you that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the allocation of resources and as Minister, I cannot direct the Commissioner in relation to this matter. As such it would not be appropriate to meet with you at this time.”