Merger Of Clare And Tipperary Garda Divisions Under Fire Once Again

Clare FM

It's been suggested the sheer scale of Clare's Garda Division means it doesn't lend itself to facilitating good quality community policing. The annual conference of the Association of Garda Superintendents taking place this week has heard descriptions of the Operational Policing Model introduced by Commissioner Drew Harris last year as "idealistic" and "rushed or forced through without consideration" of its affect on communities and Garda personnel. Particular aim has been taken at the Clare/Tipperary Division by the Association's President who's pointed out that only one superintendent is now based in this county compared to four prior to the model's introduction. Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes, who's long been critical of the merger, believes people in his area feel more vulnerable now due to a perceived disconnect between them and their local Gardaí.