Garda John Joe O’Connell, who represents the Kildare division on the GRA’s central executive committee, described the delays as “absolutely ridiculous” and warned they are putting public and Garda safety “at risk.”
Kildare’s Armed Support Unit (ASU) is facing a severe staffing crisis, with trained gardaí still awaiting deployment more than two years after qualifying - despite a pressing need for support in the region.
The issue was raised at the Garda Representative Association (GRA) annual conference, where delegates highlighted the acute shortage of ASU personnel in both Kildare and neighbouring Meath.
Garda John Joe O’Connell, who represents the Kildare division on the GRA’s central executive committee, described the delays as “absolutely ridiculous” and warned they are putting public and Garda safety “at risk.”
Over 30 candidates applied to the specialist unit in 2019, with many completing their intensive 13-week training as far back as 18 months ago.
Speaking to The Journal, O'Connell said: "We have had plenty of fit, able and willing male and female members who upskilled themselves but six years later, these vacancies are still there and we can’t understand the reluctance."
With Kildare’s ASU base in Newbridge under-resourced due to retirements, transfers and promotions, other units - such as those from Waterford - have been called in to handle emergencies in the area.
O’Connell said this approach is unsustainable and unfair to communities in the Eastern region.
While Garda headquarters acknowledged delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a spokesperson insisted the force maintains “effective operational capacity” and continues to review deployments based on policing needs.
A new ASU centre in Enniscorthy was opened earlier this year to serve Wexford and Wicklow, but Kildare’s staffing gap remains unresolved.
"On a professional level we find this absolutely ridiculous and are looking at avenues of going into dispute over this," O Connell said.
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