Tag Archives: Cathaoirleach James Breen

CLARE’S Garda Division cannot afford to lose any more gardaí, as resources are “stretched”, following a 13% decrease in personnel over the last six years. That’s the view expressed by the division head, Chief Superintendent John Kerin, at this week’s Joint Policing Committee meeting in Ennis. The Garda chief said four upcoming retirements and five promotions would pose further challenges. He said he is “seriously concerned” by the reduction of 44 gardaí in the Clare Garda Division, which has occurred over the last six years. There are now 294 gardaí in the division, compared to the 338 gardaí who were stationed in County Clare back in 2010. Since 2010, the number of superintendents has fallen from four down to two, while the number of sergeants in the division has been reduced from 42 down to 38. Chief Superintendent Kerin said rural counties, such as Clare, are “suffering”. He added, “I hope the situation doesn’t deteriorate any further. It’s difficult to …

The President of Germany Joachim Gauck concluded a three-day state trip to Ireland this afternoon by visiting the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. Councillor James Breen, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, welcomed President Joachim Gauck to the council owned Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience and presented him with a photographic print of the Cliffs of Moher framed in local slate, designed by Irish Slate Crafts. Ms. Katherine Webster, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, provided the German Head of State and the official delegation with a guided tour of the County Clare attraction. German visitors are the largest visitor group to the Cliffs of Moher after the USA with over 145,000 travelling to Ireland’s second busiest visitor attraction in 2014.