'Very welcome news': 15 new Gardaí to be allocated at Shannon Garda Station

The allocation of 15 new Gardaí to Shannon Garda Station has been welcomed by Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe.

According to Mr Crowe, the new Gardaí will be placed in Shannon directly from Templemore Garda Training College, meaning there will be an overall increase in Clare garda numbers as they are not being pulled from other stations in the county. 

Speaking on this, the Deputy said: “This is very welcome news and the increased garda numbers are something I have long being calling for; both in Clare but especially in the Shannon area. I have raised the issue of Shannon garda staffing regularly in the Dáil and have called for it to be viewed differently to other stations as they are also tied into policing operations in Shannon Airport. The airport is a national asset and when existing Gardaí are involved in policing operations at the airport, it has left the surrounding areas without an adequate policing presence."

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The TD confirmed that this is the result of not having, what he would view, as "adequate staffing level at the station."

“Shannon is the second biggest town in Clare and its catchment area also includes Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus. Between policing a big geographical area, three of the biggest urban centres in Clare, an international airport and a very busy roads network, the Gardaí stationed at Shannon had a big task to face and I’m glad that my calls for the staffing levels to be addressed has been realised," Mr Crowe said. 

The spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation claimed that the area which Shannon polices has been the victim of high-profile crime and anti-social behaviour with Gardaí "doing the best that they can" while being "overstretched."

“These new Gardaí will have a real impact and will be a boost to garda visibility in the area, which in itself can be a strong crime deterrent. The 15 Gardaí will join Shannon Garda Station from 1st September and I wish them the very best in their new careers with An Garda Síochána," The Clare TD concluded.