Five new garda arrive in mayo for training

THE first new intake of garda recruits in years…five in total…have arrived at the Divisional HQ in Castlebar for training, writes Tom Shiel.

In the coming weeks, they will be allocated to various stations throughout the division.

Supt. Tony Healy told a meeting of the Mayo Joint Policing Committee (JPC) that it has 'yet to be decided' where the recruits will go.

“It’s five gardaí,” a small number, the senior officer conceded, “but it certainly is a start. It’s a welcome addition to the force.”

Earlier in the meeting, Councillor Christy Hyland raised the issue of depleted garda numbers with 50 gardaí a month retiring.

“That’s 300 a year and there’s a big ‘hoo ha’ about taking in 100 recruits. We call on the one hand for more gardaí on the beat but it’s very difficult for police to be out on foot when they’re not in it,” he stated.