Councillors call for 24/7 Garda Station in wake of Edenderry tragedy

The Councillors called for a fully operational, 24/7 Garda Station following the recent murderous attack in Edenderry, during the December monthly meeting of Offaly County Council.
Cllr Noel Cribbin told the meeting that he was “shocked to the core” by the tragedy that occurred, Saturday evening December 6 when a petrol bomb was thrown into a house in Castleview Park, killing four year old Tadgh Farrell and his grandaunt Mary Holt (60) in what the Gardaí described as a “reckless, callous and murderous attack.”
Cllr Cribbin pointed out that it is possible that “if Edenderry had more Garda resources then this tragedy could have been averted.”
An online petition titled "Re-instate Edenderry Garda Station full time" is currently gathering signatures, The petition is highlighting the concerns of locals who say it can be difficult to access Garda services during current public office hours. They also say that the distance to the nearest full-time station is Tullamore, which is over 30 km away.
A recent Oireachtas report stated that Edenderry Garda station is, in fact, open 24/7. However, many local reports and testimonials point to limited public office hours and an insufficient physical presence, which contradicts the Oireachtas report.
Cllr Fergus McDonnell praised the Gardaí for their ongoing investigation and their continuing hard work to track down the three attackers who brought such terror and tragedy to Edenderry.
He also pointed out that the vast majority of the people of Edenderry are “ordinary, hardworking, decent people who do their best to get through life's daily challenges in the best way they can. This tragedy is in no way a reflection on them. It is, though, a reflection on the growing scourge of drugs in so many communities throughout Ireland.”
He pointed out that the people of Edenderry are “crying out for a better Garda Station. It's totally unacceptable at the moment. We need a Garda Station which is open 24/7, which has more Guards, more vehicles.” Cllr McDonnell said the town is worryingly close to Dublin and the criminals of Dublin. “You can get to Dublin City Centre or Dublin Airport in about 50 minutes from Edenderry. It means we are very accessible to unwanted elements. We need more Guards to deal with this. We also need to see more Guards on the beat. A visible presence of Guards walking through towns is a powerful, effective thing.
“The situation in recent years has got worse. Years ago, not too long ago, during a time when the country had less money, we had more Garda Stations in rural areas. We are told nowadays that we are awash with money and yet we don't have this important service. The small towns and villages of rural Ireland are just as important as Dublin City Centre, but you would be forgiven for thinking that is not the case.”
Cllr McDonnell called on the Council to write to the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, asking for a 24/7 Garda Station in the town. Cllr Claire Murray-Smale (Fianna Fáil) seconded this proposal.
Cllr Claire Murray (Sinn Féin) agreed. “This tragedy has highlighted the lack of Garda resources in the town. In recent years we have seen Garda Stations close throughout the county and we have seen less Garda visibility on our streets. The Midland Regional Drug Task Force is undermanned. In Laois / Offaly the Task Force is badly undermanned, comparing unfavourably with the rest of the country.”
Cllr John Leahy, Cathaoirleach, told the meeting that he's a former firefighter. “Firefighters go into burning buildings, into danger, when everybody else is going the other direction. I want to praise the firefighters who stopped this fire from spreading further, and therefore possibly saved lives.”
The meeting then rose for five minutes adjournment as a mark of respect, sympathy and solidarity with the relatives and friends affected by this tragedy; and in memory of Tadhg and Mary.

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