A local Aontu representative has shared her concerns in relation to the ongoing reduction in Garda numbers in Monaghan.
The latest figures indicate a 6.7% fall in personnel between 2024 and 2025, dropping from 178 to just 166 assigned officers in the county.
According to Olivia Larkin, the data indicates that despite ongoing commitments and increasing concerns about anti-social behaviour and crime, Garda staffing levels in Monaghan are declining.
Since 2011, more than 140 Garda stations have closed in Ireland, while population and resource demands have grown.
Olivia Larkin says a fall in Garda numbers, along with ongoing serious anti-social incidents, cannot simply be dismissed or ignored: "Despite stable state finances, public services are stretched and housing shortages persist."
She believes overlooking these problems is deeply unjust to local residents and represents a failure to serve their interests.
Olivia Larkin told Northern Sound: "For 21 years under FF and FG, Ireland has reached its lowest number of Gardaí per capita in two decades. Ireland ranks among the countries with the fewest police officers per capita in the European Union. This continuing situation is frankly disgraceful and the Minister for Justice has a duty to take the matter seriously."
