Communities in Meath deserve essential services in line with other communities throughout the country, but when it comes to the number of Gardaí per head of population we fall well short.

Despite having one of the most rapidly growing populations in the state we currently have less sworn Gardaí in Meath than we did in 2018. Currently there are only 304 Gardaí in the Meath division, with 142 Gardai per 100,000 population. 

The results of this are local people and local businesses feel less safe, there is a lack of visibility of Gardaí ' on the beat' and there appears to be a lack of capacity to respond to community needs. 

It is incumbent on the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to act now, to work with an Garda Siochána in prioritising the county of Meath for an adequate increase in Garda numbers and in planning to meet the needs of the communities of Meath.

It is only with an increase in the number of Gardai for Meath, commensurate with the population growth, can provisions be made for increased visibility and community policing.  

If the Minister fails to acknowledge the extent of the problem she is failing to listen to the needs of her own constituents in the county of Meath. The unsafe feeling experienced by communities will continue to grow , having a negative impact on the wellbeing of communities.