A local TD has called on the Minister for Justice to address the AGSI concerns on garda numbers and the policing operating models.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Matt Carthy TD says Minister Jim O'Callaghan must address the concerns raised by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors regarding the problems created by the insufficient level of Gardaí to police communities.
Deputy Carthy said that it is clear that a review of the three-county divisional operating model is required to ensure communities, including rural communities, get the policing services they deserve. The Cavan Monaghan TD says at the heart of the challenges faced by An Garda Síochána is the fact that there are simply too few Gardaí.
The AGSI is currently holding its annual conference in Killarney were they raised some very serious concerns about the number of Gardaí available to operate the current operating model. The AGSI has highlighted that there have been 109 retirements and resignations in the first quarter of 2025 while, in the same period, 141 new recruits graduated.
Deputy Matt Carthy says there are serious concerns regarding the size of new Garda divisions when the three-county divisional model was introduced. He said these divisional models like Cavan, Monaghan and Louth aren't working.
