Decline in garda numbers in westmeath

There are now 14 fewer garda on the beat in Westmeath than there were in 2010.

According to newly released figures from the Department of Justice, in January of this year there were 244 officers in the Westmeath Division, down from 258 at the start of 2010.

Relatively speaking, the Westmeath division has fared better than some of its neighbours, such as Cavan/Monaghan (now 322, 91 fewer than 2010), Meath (now 281, 32 fewer than 2010) and Laois/Offaly (now 275, 55 fewer than 2010).

Nationally, the number of gardaí has fallen by 1,500 over the last five years. Currently there are 12,763 members of the force. Almost 140 garda stations have also clo\sed over the same period including those in Finea, Castletown Geoghega, Ballinahown and Rathowen.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Deputy Robert Troy says that more investment is needed to boost garda numbers in Westmeath and the rest of the country.

“The number of gardaí has hit an unacceptable level. The personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on February 28, 2015, the latest dates for which figures are readily available, was 12,763.

“It is estimated that numbers will continue to fall despite new recruitment due to continuous retirements. We must support our gardaí who do an excellent job here in Westmeath rather than continually cutting their resources, wages and manpower,” concluded Troy.