"Putting A Plaster On A Problem" - Local Councillor Criticises Fine Gael Senator's 'Pop Up' Garda Stations Suggestion

Wednesday, 14 August 2024 14:32

By Martin Osborne

There are currently 15 gardaí in total assigned to Maynooth Garda Station which operates on a part-time basis.

The suggestion by a Fine Gael Senator to implement 'pop up' Garda stations has been described by a local councillor as sticking a "plaster on a problem".

Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne said pop up Garda stations should be used to help communities that are currently underserved by the force.

She wants to see the temporary set ups expanded to a number of areas around the country.

However, local Cllr Angela Feeney said it's not the right solution.

She said she has been raising the issue of the low level of full-time gardaí at Maynooth Garda Station and across Kildare North for years.

There are currently 15 gardaí in total assigned to Maynooth Garda Station which operates on a part-time basis.

The station is only open Monday and Thursday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

On Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday the station is open from 10.00am to 12.00 midday.

A similarly sized town in Kildare such as Leixlip has 68 gardaí and a fully-staffed, full-time, station.

The below shows the distribution of Garda personnel within the Kildare Division, segmented by districts and stations, along with the total count for each area.

Kildare District:

    Athy: 37
    Castledermot: 3
    Kildare Twon: 44
    Monasterevin: 5
    Newbridge: 60
    Rathangan: 2
    Total: 151

Leixlip District:

    Carbury: 5
    Celbridge: 16
    Kilcock: 6
    Leixlip: 68
    Maynooth: 15
    Total: 110

Naas District:

    Clane: 13
    Kilcullen: 9
    Naas: 141
    Robertstown: 7
    Total: 170

Kildare Division Total: 431