Martin Daly warns of rising rural crime across Roscommon Galway
Martin Daly warned about a rise in serious rural crime across Roscommon and Galway and called for a stronger, matched response. He argued for stepped-up enforcement and prevention measures, including reopening local Garda stations, intelligence-led policing and forensic investigations.
He opened by remembering rural crime activists and the late Roscommon independent councillor Tony Waldron of Ballantubber, framing the remarks around the safety and security of rural communities.
Martin Daly cited growing fear in villages including Oran, Glinsk, Baligar and Knockrockery and recent incidents in Banlaslo, including raids by the Guard Armed Response Unit, the discharging of firearms and increased anti-social behaviour linked to organised crime.
He urged that Angarda Sierkhana be resourced to monitor key access routes, disrupt mobile crime networks and increase patrols on the roads over the Sian and into Roscommon Galway. He called for an intelligence-led approach to policing rural areas.
Martin Daly highlighted the role of community deprivation, lack of balanced development and limited educational opportunities as drivers of crime, arguing that prevention must go hand in hand with enforcement.
He warned that Garda station closures remain a serious concern, citing the closure of Balahadrine Garda station in a town of 3,000 with rapid population growth due to international protection applicants and urging it be reopened. He also flagged an increase in deliberate arson attacks and called for a strong forensic-led investigation strategy.
Martin Daly noted the Government commitment to recruiting 5,000 new Garda and stressed recognition must be given to rural communities left with overstretched units. He insisted that security should not be determined by geography and that the State must shoulder its share of responsibility.
Opening remembrance
He opened by remembering rural crime activists and the late Roscommon independent councillor Tony Waldron of Ballantubber, framing the remarks around the safety and security of rural communities.
Local incidents and community fear
Martin Daly cited growing fear in villages including Oran, Glinsk, Baligar and Knockrockery and recent incidents in Banlaslo, including raids by the Guard Armed Response Unit, the discharging of firearms and increased anti-social behaviour linked to organised crime.
Enforcement measures urged
He urged that Angarda Sierkhana be resourced to monitor key access routes, disrupt mobile crime networks and increase patrols on the roads over the Sian and into Roscommon Galway. He called for an intelligence-led approach to policing rural areas.
Prevention and social factors
Martin Daly highlighted the role of community deprivation, lack of balanced development and limited educational opportunities as drivers of crime, arguing that prevention must go hand in hand with enforcement.
Station closures and forensic response
He warned that Garda station closures remain a serious concern, citing the closure of Balahadrine Garda station in a town of 3,000 with rapid population growth due to international protection applicants and urging it be reopened. He also flagged an increase in deliberate arson attacks and called for a strong forensic-led investigation strategy.
Resourcing and geographic equity
Martin Daly noted the Government commitment to recruiting 5,000 new Garda and stressed recognition must be given to rural communities left with overstretched units. He insisted that security should not be determined by geography and that the State must shoulder its share of responsibility.
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Transcript
I'd like to remember rural crime activists, the late Roscommon independent councillor Tony Waldron of Ballantubber as I make these comments. The safety and security of our rural communities must be a top priority. Across Roscommon Galway we are seeing a rise in serious criminal activity. There must be a response that matches the scale of the challenge. People in villages like Oran, Glinsk, Baligar and Knockrockery are living in fear of mobile crime groups. They deserve to feel safe in their homes and able to conduct their businesses. There have been raids by the Guard Armed Response Unit, the discharging of firearms and increased anti-social behaviour linked to organised crime in Banlaslo just in the last month. Crime is evolving and so too must our approach to tackling it. We need to strengthen our response in two key areas, enforcement and prevention. Conditions are more organised, exploiting gaps in policing and the lack of deterrence in rural areas. We must ensure that Angarda Sierkhana have the resources to monitor key access routes, disrupt networks and prevent crime before it happens. Increased patrols on the roads over the Sian and into Roscommon Galway would send a clear signal that law enforcement is proactive, supplemented by an intelligence-led approach. Equally, we must recognise the complex factors that contribute to crime. Community deprivation, lack of balanced development, lack of educational opportunities deepen the challenges faced by law enforcement. Garda station closures remain a serious concern. Balahadrine Garda station in a town of 3,000 people with rapid population growth due to international protection applicants and vulnerable to mobile crime gangs has closed. They have shouldered their responsibility. The State must shoulder its share. Their Garda station is more than just a building. It is a deterrent, a reassurance to the community and it must be reopened. Another trend is the increase in arson. These attacks are deliberate, targeted and designed to create fear. They threaten the stability of rural communities and even the will of the State itself. A strong forensic-led investigation strategy is required. Government has committed to recruiting 5,000 new Garda in its term. Recognition must be given to rural communities left to manage with overstretched Garda units covering wide geographical areas. The people of Ruskam and Ghori deserve an effective security strategy. Security should not be determined by geography.