People across County Roscommon 'living in fear' of mobile crime groups

People across County Roscommon are living in fear of mobile crime groups, Deputy Martin Daly told the Dáil last week. He has now called for an increased Garda presence across the county and for increased patrols along the Shannon to deter and detect criminals.

Dr Daly said across the Roscommon-Galway constituency, people were seeing a rise in serious criminal activity.

“There must be a response that matches the scale of the challenge,” he said.

“People in villages like Oran, Glinsk, Ballygar and Knockcroghery are living in fear of mobile crime groups. They deserve to feel safe in their homes and to be able to conduct their businesses,” he stressed.

He added that recently there had been raids by the Garda Armed Response Unit, as well as the discharging of firearms and increased antisocial behaviour linked to organised crime in Ballinasloe.

“Crime is evolving and so must our approach to tackling it,” he continued. “We need to strengthen our response in two key areas: enforcement and prevention. Criminals are more organised, exploiting gaps in policing and the lack of deterrence in rural areas.

“We must ensure An Garda Síochána has the resources to monitor key access routes, disrupt networks and prevent crime before it happens. Increased patrols on the roads over the Shannon into Roscommon-Galway would send a clear signal that law enforcement is proactive, supplemented by an intelligence-led approach. Equally, we must recognise the complex factors that contribute to crime. Community deprivation, lack of balanced development and lack of educational opportunities deepen the challenges faced by law enforcement.” 

The closure or reduced opening hours of rural Garda stations was a serious concern, he said and he called for Ballaghaderreen Garda Station to be reopened full-time.

“They have shouldered their responsibility; the State must shoulder its share. Their Garda Station is more than just a building; it is a deterrent to crime and a reassurance to the community,” the Fianna Fáil TD said.

He expressed particular concern about the increase in arson attacks.

“These attacks are deliberate, targeted and designed to create fear. They threaten the stability of rural communities and even the will of the State. A strong forensic-led investigation strategy is required. The Government has committed to recruiting 5,000 new gardaí in its term. Recognition must be given to rural communities left to manage with overstretched Garda units covering wide geographical areas. The people of Roscommon-Galway deserve an effective security strategy.

At the start of his contribution, Deputy Daly paid tribute to “the late rural crime activist and Roscommon independent councillor, Anthony Waldron of Ballintubber”.