Garda resources criticised following spate of violent knife attacks in Co Wicklow

Under the direction of the Wicklow-Wexford Joint Policing Committee the allocation of probationer gardaí to a Divisional training station facilitates the reassignment of gardaí to other stations within the Division, if required, by the Divisional Officer. However, only six have been allocated for all of County Wicklow for 2025.

Reacting to the figures Wicklow Wexford TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin called on gardaí to target the perpetrators of knife crime.

“I have raised these local policing issues with the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan and indeed met with him and local garda chiefs when he visited Gorey Garda Station some weeks ago.”

The figures also show there were 4,627 offences recorded by Wicklow garda stations last year and twelve Garda Stations in the state lost their assigned garda in 2024, including Avoca Garda Station.

The recent spate of attacks in Arklow has spurred Sinn Féin to highlight their nationwide community safety survey, the roll-out of which is ongoing in the Wicklow-Wexford constituency.

The survey aims to examine the experiences of local communities in relation to policing and safety, taking their feedback on board to develop policies that look to address existing shortfalls.

Deputy O Súilleabháin said he wants to hear people’s experiences.

"Our survey aims to identify areas that are most vulnerable and to provide solutions for the people living there.”

“Over the next few weeks, Sinn Féin activists will continue to deliver information on this survey, and we are asking as many people as possible in Arklow, and indeed across South Wicklow, to take part and to share their views.” he added.

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Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 17th