Calls for reversal of garda division amalgamation
A local councillor has expressed concerns over local policing resources in the context of the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division being amalgamated with Louth.
Looking at where similar proposals had been made and reversed with hindsight - Sligo/Leitrim, Donegal - Fianna Fáil’s John Paul Feeley told the November monthly meeting of Cavan County Council that the result of the amalgamation locally would be a massive and near unmanageable geographic area stretching from Dowra to the Termonfeckin.
Cllr Feeley said he had witnessed the impact the loss of a Superintendent in the past in Ballyconnell when amalgamated with the Cavan District and was in no doubt, if the changes proposed went ahead, “I know where additional resources will end up and it’s not Cavan.”
The amalgamation of divisions, he said, “makes no sense”.
Already, he said, the county is struggling for gardaí on the ground, pointing out there is just one member currently assigned to the Divisional Drugs Unit as per latest Department of Justice figures.
He noted that senior gardaí have taken issue of late with the Standard Funds Threshold (SFT), which allows high earners to accumulate up to €2 million in a pension before being subject to an effective tax rate of about 72%. “I know where €2 million could be spent. All people are concerned about is that gardaí are available in their local community and that the right amount of resources are given to them,” he remarked.
Cllr Feeley said that Minister for Justice Helen McEntee needs to take a hands-on approach to dealing with the morale issue within the force at present.
He welcomed increases in the Budget that will see the trainee allowance increase to €305 per week, up from €184.
“At the last Joint Policing Committee meeting we did invite the Commissioner [Drew Harris] to Cavan to discuss the amalgamation,” said Cllr Feeley, who extended that invite to the garda chief from the council also.
The motion was seconded by Cllr Patricia Walsh who described the division as a “vast” area to police.
On the lack of officers assigned to the drugs unit, she said that issues around abuse and dealing were “getting worse by the day”.
“We need to stand up on this and be strong.”
She too shared the concerns of Cllr Feeley on garda retention. “Why?” she asked. “Years ago if you got into the gardaí it was a job for life,” she added.
Fine Gael’s TP O’Reilly stated that “renumeration” is a problem.
Peter McVitty (FG) queried how policing matters in West Cavan and in Louth would compare.
He highlighted how gardaí in Cavan must travel across Glan Gap to Blacklion and said it would be more appropriate for officers in Sligo-Leitrim area to police the area there.
Cathaoirleach Philip Brady agreed, saying that the Chief Superintendent had a role to play. “It’s time maybe he stood up for the guards he’s suppose to be helping out.”