A violent incident in Carrickmacross last weekend is “an example of what is happening around the country,” according to Cavan Senator Sarah O’Reilly, with the local representative saying that criminals are taking advantage of closed Garda stations across the country.
A 28-year-old Romanian man appeared in court on Monday charged in connection with an incident in which he brandished a knife in broad daylight. The incident, which took place at around 7:30pm in the County Monaghan town, was filmed and circulated widely on social media. That footage was referred to in the accused’s subsequent appearance before the courts.
The man, who the court heard is currently unemployed, was “very drunk” when he was brandishing a knife on the Main Street of Carrickmacross, with the accused, David Covaciu, charged with two offences under the firearms and offensive weapons act 1990.
Speaking in the Seanad, Senator O’Reilly called on the Minister for Justice to come before Members to “answer questions on the crisis in An Garda Síochána with recruitment and retention.”
The Garda recruitment and retention crisis has seen at least 140 garda stations close across the State since 2011, with the number of frontline Gardai working in 560 garda stations across the country falling last year. During the AGSI’s annual conference this month, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris was told that his legacy had been one of failing policing strategies and strained industrial relations – with AGSI president Declan Higgins claiming that Mr Harris has turned policing into a business, with spreadsheets replacing community reform. Sergeants and inspectors have voiced concerns over what they see as young recruits entering a service which is under-resourced and over-stretched, with officers leaving for better jobs.
“I highlight an incident in Carrickmacross as an example of what is happening around the country. I have received many calls and emails from worried constituents relating to an increase in crime, which has been an issue for a long time,” Senator O’Reilly said.
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín recently highlighted what he described as “zombie” garda stations which he said “are closed in all but name” pointing to Ballivor, Longwood, Summerhill, Athboy and Oldcastle in Meath as examples.
“Most Garda divisions had fewer frontline officers last year. That’s a shocking headline. Last year in total, the number of frontline gardaí working in the 560 Garda stations across the country fell from 12,045 to 11,928. In Waterford the number of Gardaí fell by 24, In Louth, Cavan and Monaghan the number of Gardaí fell by 48. Mayo, Roscommon and Longford lost 22 Garda,” Deputy Tóibín told the Dáil earlier this month.
Continuing, Senator O’Reilly said: “This is coupled with a low visual presence of the Garda in the area and fear for safety due to recent frightening incidents in the Cavan-Monaghan-Louth Garda division.
“People understandably are nervous and are appalled that shocking incidents are now happening in broad daylight. On Sunday, a man wielding a knife on the main street and acting in a threatening manner caused major worry and upset. Thankfully, this individual has been charged with that offence. The fact that he had three bench warrants already issued to him, however, is deeply concerning,” she said.
“Garda numbers are falling countrywide and the Cavan-Monaghan and Louth Garda division is no different. The level of crime is rising. Burglaries and other serious incidents of crime are increasing.
“Criminals are taking advantage of closed Garda stations and reduced Garda numbers. Our jails are bursting at the seams. People who have been convicted for crimes are doing little to no time or are being let out after a very short time,” the Aomtú Senator added.
“Since 2011, at least 140 Garda stations have been closed across the country. This is truly shocking in the face of an ever-increasing population and is leading to further demand on already overstretched resources. Garda morale is at an all-time low. They have no confidence in the Garda Commissioner. For the second year in a row, neither he or the Minister for Justice will attend the GRA conference. How on earth can the public have any confidence in Drew Harris if front-line gardaí have expressed no confidence in him? An Garda Síochána is in total crisis and we need to address this as soon as possible.”
Last week, a peaceful protest was organised in the town against what a spokeswoman said was problems in the town with bad behaviour and bullying of kids. Laura McElroy, who said she had come to the country to live in the town 20 years ago, told Northern Sound that recent new arrivals to the town had added to difficulties, and claimed that older people were also being targeted as they collected their pensions.
It comes as the Roma community in Carrickmacross has issued a statement over unease felt in the area.
In a statement online, the group said: “The Roma Community in Carrickmacross are aware of the fears and concerns of the town’s people about safety and security in the town centre and surrounding areas. We share these fears as well, as we are also members of the community in Carrickmacross.
“We are equally aware of a recent incident in which a Roma individual appears to threaten people with a knife on the Main Street in the centre of the town. The Roma community were shocked and appalled by this behaviour, as were all right-thinking people. We were happy to see how quickly the Gardaí moved to arrest the person and deal with the incident. The individual in question is now before the courts and justice will take its course.”
“In this, the Roma Community are just like the Irish community. The vast majority of our people are law-abiding citizens who want to get on with life and build a better future for our families. There will always be incidents in the community over which we have no control. We would appeal to people not to condemn everyone for the actions of a few. Members of the Roma Community have been living in County Monaghan for the past nine years. The Roma are EU citizens and the majority of people within our community work, pay taxes and support the Irish economy.”