Only 18 Gardaí in Tipperary/Clare drugs unit covering vast area

Tipperary and Clare Garda divisions were formally merged into a single unit, operating under a new structure, effective since August 2023 and elected representatives say Gardaí and people living across the vast new amalgamated division are not happy with the results.

This amalgamation was part of a wider reorganization of An Garda Síochána across the country, aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness

On Monday a Fine Gael TD from Clare voiced his concerns, calling for increased resourcing to tackle the illegal drug trade across the Mid-West, after figures released to Deputy Joe Cooney reveal that there are just 18 Garda members assigned to the Clare/Tipperary Divisional Drugs Unit.

In response to a Parliamentary Question (PQ), the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, said that 15 Gardaí and 3 Sergeants are currently attached to the Divisional Drugs Unit, which covers an area stretching from Loop Head Lighthouse in West Clare and Ballyvaughan in North Clare to Carrick-on-Suir in South Tipperary.

“Tackling drug dealing and targeting the work of organised crime groups, who inflict intimidation, violence, and misery on families and communities across Ireland, must be a top priority for this Government.

“I fully support the measures being taken at national level as part of Government plans to tackle illegal drug use, but there is a need for greater resourcing of our Drugs Units.

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“Measures such as increasing the maximum sentences for those who direct gangland and drug-related crime, and introducing initiatives aimed at breaking the link between gangs and the children they try to recruit, are welcome,” he explained. “However, the resourcing of our Drugs Units remains our most effective tool for taking drugs off our streets and cracking down on those directly engaged in drug trafficking.”

He continued: “The Clare/Tipperary Divisional Drugs Unit has been doing outstanding work in tackling the scourge of illegal drugs in our communities — but they urgently need more resources to sustain and strengthen that effort. I am calling on the Minister for Justice and Garda management to allocate additional personnel and resources to the Divisional Drugs Unit to support the great work they are doing as highlighted in recent significant seizures. We need to ensure that Gardaí on the front lines of this fight have the tools, support, and numbers required to disrupt drug networks, protect our young people, and safeguard our towns and rural communities.”

“Drugs are destroying lives and tearing families apart. A strong, well-resourced Divisional Drugs Unit is critical to turning the tide and restoring a sense of safety and security across Clare and Tipperary,” he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Cooney has received confirmation from the Minister for Justice of plans to develop new facilities for the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) at Shannon Airport.

In response to the Clare TD’s PQ on the GNIB, Minister O’Callaghan said the Shannon Airport Group is currently developing a design scheme to redevelop the Arrivals Hall, including new, modern facilities for the GNIB and other State functions.

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The Minister commented, “The GNIB, and other State bodies, have recently approved the design layout for their new accommodation and the next step is the commencement of the tender process by the Shannon Airport Group. The works, which will be required to be phased to ensure the continuation of services, are currently expected to be complete in 2027, subject to agreement on funding and the appropriate governance approvals being in place.”

As of May 2025, 13 Gardaí are based at Shannon Airport, consisting of both Sergeant and Garda ranks.