Residents want greater police presence on Mayo streets

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 weekends 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 Síochána in Mayo had increased by 40% - ‘yet we cannot get gardaí to patrol our streets’.

Commented Councillor Hyland: "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 have no chief superintendent based in Castlebar and that has to change for things to get better in Mayo.”

He continued: "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 slipped down the government's priority list."