The number of Gardaí assigned to Ballaghaderreen Garda Station in Roscommon has almost halved in the past five months.
That’s according to information obtained by local Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane, following correspondence earlier this year from the Department of Justice.
Deputy Kerrane learned from Justice Minister Helen McEntee that, as of May 31, there were 8 Gardaí assigned to Ballaghaderreen Garda Station.
Fast forward to just over five months later, and the figure has almost halved with one Sergeant and four Gardaí now stationed in Ballaghaderreen.
This information comes following the alleged assault of a teenage boy on Friday morning last at 12:10am on November 1.
Hundreds gathered in Ballaghaderreen for a peaceful and candle-lit vigil on Sunday night to show solidarity with the victim and his family, and to send a message to the Justice Minister and also Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.
The Department of Justice has stated to Deputy Kerrane that the current staff in Ballaghaderreen are supported by wider resources in the Roscommon Community Engagement Area, Mayo/ Roscommon/ Longford divisional resources such as Roads Policing and Drugs Units, and Regional and National resources such as the Regional Armed Support Unit.
A statement released to the Sinn Féin TD says that “resources in Ballaghaderreen Garda Station have reduced in recent months”.
(Photo credit to Google Earth)
