Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's commitment to community policing. The reality in County Tipperary is that people in rural areas are living in fear. It is a sad fact that when one calls to a house now, a window rather than a door is opened. We have been given statistics suggesting that crime levels have decreased, but the reality is that people have absolutely no security in their homes. It is essential for us to increase the Garda presence in rural Ireland. There are no Garda stations along a 60 km stretch from Nenagh to Tipperary town. This huge expanse of countryside is without a Garda presence following the closure of four Garda stations. The motorway infrastructure in County Tipperary - two of this country's main motorways pass through the county - provide the criminal gangs that are operating with excellent opportunities for access and getaways. It is essential for us to increase the Garda presence in County Tipperary.

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