"No Wonder Women Don't Feel Safe": TD Criticises Garda Resource Gaps In Monasterevin

Thursday, 4 July 2024 16:36

By Martin Osborne

The Monasterevin Garda station operates part-time, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A local TD has raised concerns over inadequate Garda resources in Monasterevin and surrounding areas, which, she says, could impact the response to domestic violence incidents.

The Monasterevin Garda station operates part-time, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and only one Garda car is available to cover Monasterevin, Rathangan, Athy, and Newbridge.

According to Patricia Ryan TD, in emergencies, victims may face delays of up to 30 minutes for assistance from neighbouring towns.

She said she recently attempted to contact Monasterevin, Athy, and Kildare Garda stations about a speeding incident but her calls went unanswered.

She said efforts to reach the chief superintendent in Naas led to a transfer to a call centre in Waterford.

"If I was a woman who was being beaten up, does the Minister honestly think I could hang on to be transferred? This is an utter disgrace and totally unacceptable. No wonder women do not feel safe or protected," she said.

She said despite the work of support organisations like Women's Aid, Aoibhneas, and Stop Domestic Violence in Ireland, they cannot replace the immediate intervention needed from the Gardaí.

She said the advice on the Garda website is to "call your local Garda station for an immediate response if required."

She asked if a woman is "in an emergency situation" is she expected to call 999 and simply "wait for the Garda from Kildare to get to her?"

More from Local News

Uisce Eireann Says No New Connection Works at Ryevale House, Leixlip

The organisation confirmed the news today in response to Soc.Dems Kildare T.D. Aidan Farrelly
Local Authority Tenants Must Get Permission Before Installing Video Doorbells, Says Kildare Council

The council says it will allow video doorbells, including Ring-style devices, only if prior approval is given, cameras are limited to the tenant’s own property, and do not record public roads or neighbouring homes.
Nearly €400,000 Owed On Derelict Buildings In Kildare-Newbridge District Alone

Some of the buildings already taken over by the council include the Old Band Hall on Cutlery Road in Newbridge, the former Bargain Store in Kildare Town, and the former Garda station on Leinster Street in Rathangan.
After Fertility Loss, Care Barriers Remain For Women With Endometriosis, Says Local Woman

Audio

Speaking on Kildare Today, Ms Whelan said she learned last July that the condition had left her unable to have children.
Over €200,000 Awarded To The Conservation Of Three Historic Buildings In Kildare

The funding supports the repair, restoration and protection of historic structures from traditional homes to landmark public buildings
€8.5m Wastewater Upgrade To Enable 900 New Homes In Celbridge, With Traffic Disruption Until May

The works involve the installation of over two kilometres of new wastewater pipeline between the Castletown Wastewater Pumping Station and Crodaun, passing through Castletown Estate, Castletown Drive and the R405 Maynooth Road.
Four New Bus Shelters Approved For Athgarvan And Maddenstown, Pending NTA Delivery

In response to a question from Social Democrats Cllr Pat Balfe, the council confirmed works are also underway on Local Link routes 821 and 880, including upgrades at six bus stops.
Two Men Arrested In Garda Operation Targeting Burglaries

The investigation looked into more than 40 incidents, including thefts, deception and unauthorised takings of vehicles, in Dublin and across the country last year.