Residents in Monaghan Town and Carrickmacross have expressed serious concerns about a sharp decline in Garda foot patrols and the poor response times to phone calls from the public.
Aontú Monaghan Representative, Olivia Larkin, says locals have voiced their reactions to the "noticeable decline in Garda feet on the street" and "long delays in responding to phone calls."
The local Aontú rep says visible Garda presence on our streets is crucial for community safety and combating crime and anti-social behaviour.
With a new Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly now in place, Ms Larkin said she is "hopeful" that action will be taken to restore the Gardaí to the necessary levels.
Speaking to Northern Sound, the local rep says this situation must be urgently addressed to ensure that people continue to have faith in An Garda Síochána.
Acknowledging the difficult circumstances and constraints faced by local Gardaí, Ms Larkin also highlighted what she terms "a failure by former Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to openly acknowledge the significant recruitment and retention challenges confronting the Gardaí."
Ms Larkin continued: "I am hopeful that morale, which plunged to an all time low under McEntee's tenure will improve under the new incumbents. It is vital for the safety and reassurance of our communities that the Gardaí are fully resourced and supported to carry out their duties effectively."
