A NEW dedicated community policing unit to cover East Clare and North Tipperary has been established by An Garda Síochána.
Comprising of seven Gardaí who will be stationed at Killaloe, Newport, Nenagh and Roscrea Garda Stations, the community policing unit aims to provide a consistent and accessible Garda presence throughout the areas. It has been in operation since September 2nd.
Members of the Community Policing Unit will work a structured roster, in line with the Midlands Working Time Agreement 2024, to maximize visibility and engagement opportunities with the public, attending community meetings and maintaining a proactive presence in local schools.
Key objectives for the community policing unit include addressing crime and anti-social behaviour through problem-solving initiatives developed in partnership with local communities and agencies. Targeted enforcement, as well as focused crime prevention and reduction strategies, will be central to the Unit’s approach, supporting a safer and more secure environment for all residents.
Commenting on the Introduction of the unit, Chief Superintendent Aileen Magner stated, “The introduction of a dedicated Community Policing Unit in East Clare/North Tipperary Community Engagement, is to be hugely welcomed. It is a positive development for the community in this area of the Clare/Tipperary Garda Division.
“This unit of highly motivated Gardaí will be proactive in continuing to develop and build positive relationships between An Garda Síochána and the communities we have sworn to serve. They will be an integral part of the multi stakeholder approach required to facilitate proactive, strategic community initiatives. They will be dedicated to developing relationships thought-out our rich multicultural communities, providing advice and support to both young and old in our communities,” she added.
Supt Magner said, “Community policing, in consultation and with the support of communities, is central to the prevention of crime and anti-social behaviour, reducing fear in our communities, whilst promoting interagency problem solving. I look forward to seeing the positivity this cohort of Gardaí will bring to the communities across East Clare/North Tipperary”.
Superintendent Allan Cullen from the East Clare Tipperary/North Community Engagement Area outlined that Gardaí in the community policing unit “will play a key role with members of the public, other agencies and community stakeholders in formulating solutions to criminality and anti-social behaviour in the communities that we serve, providing advice, support and reassurance to all”.
Speaking in the Dáil last month, Tipperary TD, Alan Kelly (LAB) flagged the logistical problems created by the “bizarre” merger of the Clare and Tipperary Garda Divisions which has been in effect since August 2023. “As a division, why Tipperary-Clare was set up is bizarre because it is a logistical nightmare. Many of the Gardaí are burnt out. Let us look at a scenario in Roscrea, where there were not enough Gardaí. A Garda went from Newport on secondment for six months to cover Roscrea. Newport to Roscrea is not a short distance but he had to go for six months. That leaves Newport short a Garda. There is no marked police car in Newport. Roscrea has a 2012 Ford Focus, a community policing car. Killaloe Garda station, which is part of the same Nenagh-Killaloe area, has no marked car”.
