There is 65 less Gardai stationed across Cavan and Monaghan today than in 2016.
The Irish Independent is reporting there are almost 600 fewer frontline gardaí than in 2020. According to the report a record number of stations have no dedicated garda assigned to them.
Last year, the number of garda stations with no dedicated garda rose to a record high of 63, up from 56 in 2024. These vacant stations, which are mostly in rural areas, account for 11pc of the national network of 564 stations.
Locally, Killeshandra had no dedicated Garda since the past 12 months. Shercock, Kilnaleck and Rockcorry also went from down to no Gardai attached since 2016.
Over the past 10 years, Cootehill Garda Station went down from 14 to 6, Carrickmacross lost 10 Gardai over the same period while Castleblayney Garda Station dropped by 6 Gardai to 24 since 2016. Clones lost 8 Gardai over the last 10 years, dropping from 12 to 4. 43 Gardai in Baileboro, 1 less than last year and 5 less since 2016.
Deputy Matt Carthy has described the decrease in numbers as no surprise but called for action to be taken by the Government.
He said there's simply not enough Gardai in the region. Ballinagh has increased by 1 to 2 over the past 10 years, while Ballybay went from 4 to 3 since 2016. Ballyconnell have lost one Garda over the last 12 months and there is now 15 Gardai stationed there.
Ballyjamesduff had 6 Gardai in 2016 and now have 4 stationed there this year. There was 6 Gardai stationed in Belturbet in 2016, there is now 2. In Blacklion, there is one less Garda over the part 12 months with 3 Gardai stationed at the West Cavan station.
Cavan Town dropped from 72 to 65 since 2016. Dowra 2-1, Emyvale 2 no change, Kingscourt 3-1, Monaghan 76-73, Mullagh 2-1, Scotstown 2-1, Swanlinbar 1 no change and Virginia 12-11.
