In 2023, the region witnessed 60 knife seizures, marking a significant increase from previous years.
Over 500 knives were seized by gardaí in Kildare in the past 10 years, it has emerged.
Figures obtained from Garda Divisions reveal a troubling rise in knife seizures within the county.
In 2023, the region witnessed 60 knife seizures, marking a significant increase from previous years.
Since 2010, 516 knives have been seized.
With figures available up to March 20th, 2024, Kildare has already recorded 16 knife seizures.
The number of knife seizures nationally over the last 10 years amounts to almost 20,000.
Almost half of those seizures took place in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
The figures were released in response to a question raised by Kildare North TD Catherine Murphy.
In response to Deputy Murphy's question, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: "We are all very conscious of the effect that knife crime can have on the quality of life for local communities. I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to supporting An Garda Síochána to tackle this issue."
She added: "There are many complex, interlinked and variable causes for the use of knives in the commission of offences. As a result, there are no quick-fix solutions to tackling knife crime. Long term, evidence-based strategies are needed that address knife crime as part of a wider strategic response to anti-social behaviour, street violence, youth offending and domestic violence."
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