Concern over single Offaly Garda allocation as drug intimidation on the rise

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Serious concerns have been raised over the allocation of just one Garda to County Offaly following a recent passing out ceremony in Templemore.

The issue was raised by Cllr Hughie Egan at a recent meeting of Offaly County Council.

"I have raised this issue before, and I'm aware it is an issue across the country, but it's becoming a big issue in rural communities," he said.

Referencing the petrol bomb attack in Waterford which killed two adults and two children, the Fine Gael Cllr also condemned an incident of serious anti-social behaviour in his local area in Doon, where two cars were allegedly burnt out.

"People are asking where this is going to end. One of the cars that was set on fire was pushed away using a tractor. Otherwise, the house would be gone," he said.

"There was a passing out ceremony last week, and Offaly has only been allocated one guard. With this intimidation, something needs to be done."

Sinn Fein Cllr Aoife Masterson, who has previously spoken at length on the issue of drug use and intimidation, said it is "worrying" to see the escalation of cases across the country.

"The exact same steps in Waterford are the steps people have experienced in Tullamore, and they're terrified out of their minds.

"I'm concerned about our response as a council. There are council tenants who are carrying out this intimidation. I would ask that we review our lack of engagement with the Gardaí, we do have a role to play."

Cllr John Leahy added that there's a "complete lack of respect for life" when it comes to drug debts and the subsequent intimidation.

He made calls for harsher penalties for drug-related crimes, and noted the need for more prisons in Ireland.

"This is way bigger than people see. There's a law and order issue here," Cllr Leahy said.

Agreeing with his council colleague, Cllr Shane Murray added: "We're gone way too soft on crime. Another prison should be built."

The members agreed to write a letter to the Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, expressing their concerns over the allocation of just one new Garda to Offaly in light of the increase in drug intimidation.