Garda chief moves to allay Mayo policing fears

Concerns over further loss of key resources

Fears over the future of community policing in Mayo due to imminent changes to the working roster for local gardaí have been allayed for now.

Local elected representatives articulated their concerns to the head of the Mayo Roscommon Longford Garda Division, Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon, at a joint policing committee (JPC) meeting in Castlebar.

Deputy Rose Conway Walsh pointed to speculation that gardaí based in community and engagement roles could be transferred elsewhere to help make up the controversial roster system, leaving the major towns of Castlebar and Ballina with further depleted policing forces.

"We need clear assurances as we've already learned that gardaí are having some responsibilities taken away from them, most notably in respect of cases involving mental health.

"I am genuinely worried that An Garda Siochána is seeing its resources being consistently eroded and this is posing problems in dealing with new challenges in society."

Deputy Alan Dillon said it is vital that the force's focus on the most vulnerable members of society is not removed in any way.

Councillor Christy Hyland said morale within An Garda Siochána is at an all-time low due to a €3 million restructuring programme by Commissioner Drew Harris which was ill-advised and badly thought-out.

"We are in crisis now. It's a complete shambles."

In response, Chief Superintendent McMahon said there is no question of members of the force in Mayo being transferred out of community and engagement duties due the planned changes to the roster in November.

"I am very committed to this area of policing. I will not transfer them and, if I do, it will only be as a last resort."

He did not rule out a new garda superintendent being appointed to Castlebar Garda Station, the HQ of the division, in the future.