Cllr Calls On Government To Address The Lack of Gardaí In Newbridge

Cllr Pender said the safety of the community cannot be put at risk.

Cllr Chris Pender has expressed concern over the lack of Gardaí numbers in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, and its impact on community policing.

The town has seen a significant increase in population over the past few years. Yet, the number of Gardaí in the area remains insufficient to meet the growing demand, he said.

According to Cllr Pender, the current shortage of Gardaí is affecting not only the safety and security of Newbridge but also their relationship with the Gardaí.

He said, "The lack of Gardaí numbers in Newbridge is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed urgently. It is having a negative impact on community policing, and residents are frustrated by the lack of visible Garda presence in the town."

Cllr Pender believes that the solution to this problem is to increase the number of Gardaí in the area and prioritize community policing.

He added, "We need more Gardaí on the ground in Newbridge to ensure that the town remains a safe place to live and work, but we also need them to engage more with the community.

"Community policing is about building trust and relationships between the police and the people they serve, which is essential for effective policing."

Cllr Pender also called on the local community to support efforts to improve community policing. He said, "I urge the people of Newbridge to stand with me and demand that the government takes action to address this issue. We need to make our voices heard and ensure that our town is safe and secure.

"But we also need to work with the Gardaí and demand that they prioritize community policing. We need to build relationships of trust and respect between the police and the people they serve, and that can only happen if both sides are willing to engage and work together."

He highlighted that "the work being done by current Gardaí in community policing positions has been exceptional and has shown a positive impact in the way Gardaí are viewed, and without local community police I know my job would be much harder."

In conclusion, Cllr Pender emphasized the importance of having an adequate number of Gardaí in the town while prioritizing community policing.

"Newbridge is a great place to live and work, but we must ensure it remains that way. We cannot afford to let crime rates increase and put the safety of our community at risk.

"But we also need to build strong relationships between the police and the people they serve, and that requires a commitment to community policing.

"It's time for the government to act, and for all of us to work together to make our town a safer and more connected place," he added.