Local TD Encouraged After Newly Installed Garda Detective In Arklow Following Recent Spate Of Attacks

There's increased Garda Support In Arklow Following Recent Violent Incidents

The appointment of a new detective in Arklow is a step in the right direction according to a local TD towards addressing significant drug related crime.

In recent weeks and months calls have been made for increased resources following a spate of suspected knife attacks in the town over recent weeks.

Since the end of June there have been three attacks, which resulted in serious injury in two instances. 

Fine Gael Wicklow-Wexford TD Brian Brennan says protecting local residents from ill-harm is paramount:

''I met with the Gardaí yesterday (Thursday). I had a very constructive conversation with them.

''I warmly welcome the addition of a new dedicated detective to oversee the drugs (enforcement) but I've also written to the Minister and we need more gardai on the ground.

''We need to have a situation where the people of Arklow can walk their streets without any fear of being intimidated or witnessing crime.''

Deputy Brennan has also urged the Minister for Justice Minister Jim O’ Callaghan to allocate more gardai for the Wicklow/Wexford division.

Figures from An Garda Siochana show there were 617 gardaí in the region at the end of 2024, with 282 members assigned to Wicklow stations.

This was down 11% on 2015 numbers, but a further report outlined that by the end of January this year Garda members in the full division had fallen to 612. As of January 31, 279 gardaí were assigned to Wicklow stations with a total of 225 gardaí scheduled to retire from the division over the next four years.