Fianna Fáil TD for Wexford James Browne has expressed concern that plans to overhaul An Garda Síochána will have a negative impact on policing in County Wexford’s communities.
The new divisional policing model, announced today, would see the Wexford and Wicklow Garda divisions merged.
Deputy Browne commented; “I have grave concerns that the new structural changes being announced by the Garda Commissioner will have a serious detrimental impact on policing in communities across Wexford.
“If the Wexford and Wicklow Garda divisions are amalgamated, the new Chief Superintendent of the Division will undoubtedly base himself or herself in Bray. This could likely see senior Garda management making decisions on policing from Wicklow, with little knowledge of the issues affecting local communities in Wexford.
“I’m also very concerned that Wexford could fall behind in terms of allocation of resources. For example, does anybody believe there would be a new state of the art Garda station in Wexford town if a Chief Superintendent wasn’t based there?  And if there is no Chief Super based in Wexford, who is going to fight for resources for the county?
“Any plans to reform An Garda Síochána must result in a better policing service for Wexford”, Deputy Browne concluded.