McCormack Calls For Local Community Policing

In the past few months the issue of the prevalence of drug dealing in our communities and particularly it’s affects on our youth has finally come to the fore. This has been followed with a call to tackle escalating crime and anti social behaviour.

Speaking on the issue during Mary Lou McDonald’s recent visit to Thurles Ciara McCormack, Sinn Féin’s Thurles local election candidate, said the following:

Pictured in the four estates recently from left to right: Ciara McCormack, Thurles Local and General election candidate with Uachtaráin Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald TD.

“I wish to immediately challenge and highlight the under resourcing of Community Policing in the Thurles area. I am calling for an immediate increase in Community Garda Numbers.”

“From 2011 to 2017 community Garda numbers have fallen in Tipperary from 104 to 68, a reduction of 36 community personnel countywide.”

“Initiatives like the Youth Work Ireland Centre in the Four Estates as well as local sporting and youth groups are key to offering our young people an alternative. By resourcing community Gardaí to work alongside local community initiatives, coupled with tackling the issue at the source, we can take the first steps to reclaiming our neighbourhoods.

“As a Section 39 worker focusing on housing allocation and homelessness, I know from working with designated Community Gardaí the difference a good community Garda can make. The effect on an area can be transformative to individuals and families.”

“The focus of recent commentary on this issue has been unfairly concentrated on one area in Thurles, this issue is prevalent across our whole community both in rural and urban areas.”

“Community Gardaí can build up relationships and trust with people at risk of offending, particularly young people, and direct them in a more positive direction, such as through the Garda Youth Diversion Projects.”