Garda districts being examined

HIGH-level discussions are taking place on the future of garda districts in Clare. The county’s most senior garda, Chief Superintendent John Kerin, confirmed that a decision is likely on possible district mergers before the end of the year.

 

The Clare Garda Division is divided into four districts: Kilrush, Ennistymon, Ennis and Killaloe.
Currently, just Kilrush and Ennistymon have superintendents because of the non-replacement of a superintendent in Killaloe, who retired and the recent departure of Superintendent Peter Duff from Ennis to his native Dublin.

“This is being looked at certainly. The issue of district mergers is being looked at countrywide. A decision hasn’t been made on it yet but it is being looked at,” Chief Supt Kerin commented.

Countering local speculation on the subject, Chief Supt Kerin stated Ennistymon is not necessarily the most vulnerable of the four garda districts in the county.

“It is unfair to say one is more vulnerable than another. There could be total realignment of districts, creating totally new districts. I cannot envisage the final outcome of this process but it is not true to say Ennistymon is the most vulnerable,” he said.

A decision on possible district mergers is expected later this year, ahead of the finalisation of the Policing Plan 2013.

“There have been discussion groups from each garda district and a divisional one. We have forwarded our opinions to our regional commissioner and he has taken it back to the top table,” Chief Supt Kerin commented.

Despite some changes expected in district boundaries, the Chief Supt doesn’t believe parts of Clare will fall under policing districts in other counties in the immediate future.

“I would be amazed if the division boundaries or county boundaries don’t stay intact. Down the line I’m sure things will be looked at as part of the rationalisation and restructuring programme but I can’t see anything happening in the short term,” he added.

Councillor Joe Arkins is on the Joint Policing Committee. He said he has concerns about possible changes to district boundaries.

“Obviously the question of garda manning levels, the service and delivery of services to the public is a matter of concern for the JPC and obviously we will be raising the issue to find out what his proposals are in relation to the districts going forward. Members of the JPC will be expressing their reservations until there is clarity on these issues.”

“With regard to district mergers, it is important for people to feel they can identify with the area in which their district is located and there needs to be a nucleus of community identity around the area. What I mean is that where there are district headquarters, it is important that they remain at the heart of the areas they cover,” Councillor Arkins concluded.