Local Representative for Glasnevin, Drumcondra, Santry and Ballymun, Noel Rock, has welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Justice and Equality that recruitment to An Garda Siochana is to proceed shortly, with recruitment of new full time members to the force. Mr. Rock said the recommencement of recruitment will strengthen the core of the Garda service in Glasnevin, Drumcondra and Ballymun and ensure the force is adequately equipped to deal with the needs and demands of the community.

Mr. Rock said, “I’m delighted that the recruitment of full-time members to An Garda Siochana is set to recommence. As we are all aware, funding available across the public sector has been and remains severely limited. However, the Minister recognises the need to ensure An Garda Síochána is provided with sufficient resources to enable them to provide an effective and efficient policing service in all areas and throughout Dublin City.”

“Given that there has been no recruitment to the ranks in recent years, flexibility in the allocation of Gardai and vehicles has been paramount to ensure the needs of local communities in Ballymun, Glasnevin and Drumcondra remain protected. This move is essential to ensuring policies is prioritised under constrained budgetary circumstances. An Garda Síochána enjoy huge levels of trust from citizens in Glasnevin, Drumcondra and Ballymun, where they serve the interests of the community.”

Mr. Rock stated, “In 2012, €3 million was allocated to the Gardai to ensure their fleet of vehicles was kept up to date and to allow older vehicles to be replaced. This year, a further €5 million has been allocated for the same purpose. I’m very pleased to see that Minister Shatter has received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the recommencement of Garda recruitment.”

“Throughout the city, we have excellent members of the Garda Reserve who would no doubt want to become full-time members of the Gardai. I believe that during this round of recruitment, a good mix of Garda Reserve and ordinary members of the public should be recruited to ensure an open and more diverse police force.”

“Arrangements are now being put in place by the Minister with the Commission for Public Service Appointments so that the necessary preparations can commence for the large number of applicants which is expected.”

“The nature of policing is very demanding, and the delivery of the Garda service and prevention and detection of crime remains of utmost importance. I’m delighted to see that Garda recruitment will be proceeding once again as it will certainly help to ensure the safety of our communities in areas across Glasnevin, Ballymun and Drumcondra”, concluded Mr. Rock.