Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In the programme for Government there is a commitment to maintain close relationships between all communities and the Garda. I bring to the Taoiseach's attention that the complete opposite is taking place in County Louth. One community policing van has to be shared between Drogheda and Dundalk, the two largest towns in the county, while there are only two patrol cars to service the entire Drogheda area which includes Clogherhead, Termonfeckin, Dunleer and Monasterboice. There is no uniformed inspector in the entire county. It has been reported that gardaí have to walk, cycle or use their own cars when carrying out serious investigations or making house calls. How does the Taoiseach propose that rural parts of the county will be patrolled or policed as we approach the dark evenings of the winter? It makes a mockery of what community policing is supposed to be about. There is a commitment in the programme for Government to fund the purchase of Garda vehicles to the tune of €34 million.

See this speech in context