Doherty welcomes opportunity to voice concerns about garda cuts in Roscommon
Published on: 13 February 2013
Roscommon County Councillor Rachel Doherty has said the upcoming public meeting on crime in Ballaghaderreen provides an important opportunity for communities to voice their concerns about the closure of local garda stations, and the amalgamation of Boyle and Castlerea Garda Districts.
Cllr Doherty and Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice wrote to the Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins TD requesting that he holds a public meeting in Roscommon at the earliest possible opportunity, given the level of public concern about crime rates, burglaries and the cuts to local garda resources.
The meeting is now scheduled to take place at 8pm next Tuesday, 19th February at Durkin’s Bar in Ballaghaderreen.
Cllr Doherty said, “There are serious concerns locally about the direction that Minister Alan Shatter is taking when it comes to policing policy. The amalgamation of Castlerea and Boyle garda districts is particularly worrying. I believe that this, along with the consistent downgrading of our garda services in Roscommon, will have huge implications for communities locally.
“Next week’s meeting provides an important opportunity for people here to have their voices heard on this issue. Communities must stand up to the Government’s attempts to break the link between the gardaí and the community and against cuts that are putting enormous pressure on local gardaí,” she said.
Cllr Doherty says anyone who wishes to attend the meeting is welcome. She pointed out that there will also be advice available on improving home security.