The number of Gardaí visible on the ground in Monaghan over Christmas will equal last year. That's according to Superintendent Pat O'Connell who told the recent meeting of the Monaghan Joint Policing Committee that the number of Gardaí on rota to work over Christmas is "not diluted, it's static".
He also said that in the run up to Christmas Garda members annual leave is suspended and overtime is paid. He was responding to questions put to him by local councillors about Garda visibility in the area around the issue of road safety, especially in the lead up to Christmas.
Pat O'Connell stated; "There has been 49 arrests for drug and drink driving offences in Monaghan in the third quarter of 2023, that's around 16 per month and that "wouldn't happen" if visible policing was not taking place.
