Appeal to fill policing vacancy in 'isolated' Mayo community

An appeal has been made for the appointment of a community policing officer in Erris where a vacant exists.

Senator Mark Duffy said there are vacancies in other parts of the county but he felt the situation at Belmullet Garda Station needed addressing.

He said: "Local Councillor Gerry Coyle has raised the issue with me.

"Belmullet and the Erris area is a sparsely populated rural area with a vibrant town. Belmullet is the base for a huge geographical area.

"The value of a community garda position cannot be overstated in terms of being a touch point for vulnerable elderly people living on their own in isolated areas and for the youth projects being developed in Belmullet.

"A community police position is so important to the Belmullet community.

"Community policing has been an excellent way to provide security and peace across Mayo and has been a positive touch point for gardaí and members of the public.

"We have seen brilliant benefits of that in Ballina, Castlebar, Westport and other towns in Mayo where the community policing team goes above and beyond looking out for people, being a touch point with youth services, checking in on the elderly, being a visible presence on the beat in the streets and a presence in rural areas.

"We need to remain focused on supporting community policing and the positive presence of An Garda Síochána in our communities."