Figures Show Drop In Number Of Officers Stationed At Garda Stations In Wicklow

133 out of 560 stations across the country suffered a drop in garda numbers.

Almost one in four garda stations around the country had fewer gardaí to tackle crime at the start of this year compared to the start of 2022.

An analysis of staffing levels at over 560 Garda stations nationwide has revealed 133 stations - 23.4pc of the total -suffered a drop in garda numbers. 

Among the larger stations experiencing reduced staffing levels during the year were the Bridewell, Cork, which saw staff numbers drop 30%; Salthill in Galway where the drop was 25%; Stepaside in Dublin saw a similar drop; while Rathmines in Dublin saw the number of Gardai fall by almost 20%. 

In the last five years Bray has lost 23 Gardaí. This despite the increasing population growth in the town, and its proximity to South Dublin.

In total 14 of the 17 Garda Stations in Wicklow have seen their numbers decrease over the last decade.

Meanwhile, the Garda Representative Association say they are facing a staffing crisis because of the high numbers of retirements and resignations.