Five extra garda for mullingar

The news was revealed at last Monday’s Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting in Athlone Civic Centre by Westmeath Garda Division Chief Superintendent, Lorraine Wheatley.

During an update on crime in the division, Westmeath’s top garda said she was delighted to reveal that five new guards will start in Mullingar in early August, a “trend she hopes will continue” into the future with garda recruitment now back up running.

Another five officers are also due to start work in Athlone added Chief Supt Wheatley.

TD Gabrielle McFadden queried whether they were new additions to the stations or whether they were covering a number of retirements.

Chief Supt Wheatley said retirements will always be part of life in the force, and two members are due to retire in Mullingar and one other officer is due to finish in Athlone.

The JPC meeting also heard that there are currently 174 officers in the Westmeath Garda Division, and the more senior gardaí bring that figure to more than the 200 mark.