Mayo policing concerns outlined to Taoiseach

A Mayo TD has brought to the attention of the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar a response he received from the chief superintendent for the Mayo, Roscommon and Longford division regarding concerns raised in respect of the lack of a senior ranking officer at superintendent level at the divisional headquarters in Castlebar Garda station.

Stated Deputy Alan Dillon: "The response I received lacks credibility and is inconsistent with the presence of superintendents in other divisional headquarters across the county.

"Castlebar, the former Mayo divisional headquarters, is now the divisional headquarters across three counties.

"There is no commitment in the correspondence I received that a sitting superintendent will be assigned in the foreseeable future.

"I have serious questions regarding the planning and implementation phases of the new operating model relating to the Mayo-Roscommon division.

"The placement of a functional community engagement office in Claremorris merely to accommodate administrative personnel with space available does not adequately address the need for a superintendent at the divisional headquarters in Castlebar.

"It is vital that a superintendent is assigned to the divisional headquarters.

"I respectfully urge the Taoiseach to review the matter closely and address the concerns raised."