Appeal for a greater policing presence on streets of Mayo town

A Mayo elected representative has called for a greater policing presence on the streets of Westport.

Councillor Christy Hyland said the town is particularly busy at weekend and local residents and business owners are disappointed by the lack of gardaí on the beat after dark.

He stated the budget for An Garda Siochána in Mayo had increased by 40% - "yet we cannot get gardaí to patrol our street."

"The situation is not managed properly and I am appealing to the force to get back to basics.

"I said from day one that it was a mistake to create a garda district consisting of Mayo, Roscommon and Longford.

"We now has no chief superintendent based in Castlebar and that has to change for things to get better in Mayo.

"I know an Oireachtas Committee is already proposing that it should be the case and I want to see it happening soon.

"The people of Mayo are not happy because law and order has slipping down the government's priority list," added Councillor Hyland.