Communities across West Waterford are increasingly concerned about the rise in anti-social behaviour, Garda shortages and violent incidents that have affected the region in recent weeks.

A violent attack in Cappoquin, which left one man in critical condition, has been described by local representatives as a stark reminder of the urgent need for greater Garda presence and quicker response times.

Similar incidents in Dungarvan, where Gardaí were assaulted while on duty, have deepened public anxiety and renewed calls for action.

Labour Party councillor Cllr. John Pratt, who represents the Dungarvan and Lismore district, said that the shortage of Gardaí in rural parts of West Waterford lies at the heart of the problem. He pointed out that this is not a new issue but one that has been raised for many years.

“We’ve been highlighting this for the longest time,” he said, noting that despite community meetings and engagement, the problem persists.

According to Cllr. Pratt, on the night of the Cappoquin attack, several phone calls were made to Gardaí before officers arrived — if they arrived at all. He has since called on the local superintendent to clarify how many officers were on duty that night and why the response took so long.

“It’s frightening,” Cllr. Pratt said. “People are genuinely concerned and have been for some time. This latest incident just adds fuel to the fire — and we deserve better.” He also emphasised the importance of Garda safety, saying that officers should always work in pairs, particularly when responding to dangerous or unpredictable situations.”

Cllr. Pratt acknowledged that Gardaí are doing their best under very challenging conditions but stressed that they are simply spread too thin. With several officers having retired recently and more expected to leave within months, the strain on local stations is becoming more severe.

“We’re already short on Gardaí,” he said. “We need to call it out now — recruitment has to happen immediately, or we need overtime cover to make sure every area has a Garda presence.”

Local residents have voiced similar concerns, with many saying they no longer feel safe in their homes. Cllr. Pratt compared the urgency of Garda response times to that of the fire service, noting, “If you have a fire in your house, you want to know the fire brigade will be there as soon as possible. It should be the same when you call the Gardaí.”

He also reflected on the broader social changes that have contributed to the rise in anti-social behaviour.

“When I was growing up, if a Garda spoke to you, you respected them,” he said. “There was a bit of fear there. I’m not sure that exists anymore.” This shift in attitude, combined with recruitment and retention challenges, has made the work of Gardaí more difficult and at times more dangerous.

Cllr. Pratt said that while engagement between Gardaí, councillors, and the community has improved in some respects, there is still room to strengthen those links. He expressed hope that new policing and community safety forums can serve as effective tools for cooperation and problem-solving.

“We all understand that Gardaí can’t be everywhere,” he said. “But communities are trying to do their best — people are watching out, reporting issues — yet they’re not always getting the response they need. That’s something we have to work on together.”

He believes that while dialogue is important, it now needs to be followed by clear and decisive action. “We need to sit down again and talk, but the time for just talking is over. We need action,” he said. That action, according to Cllr. Pratt, must include both stronger community involvement and increased Garda resources to ensure that every town and village feels protected.

The problems in Cappoquin and Dungarvan, he added, are not unique to those areas but reflect a nationwide Garda shortage. Despite the challenges, Cllr. Pratt emphasised that public respect for Gardaí remains strong. “Nobody has an anti-Garda sentiment,” he said. “We all respect what they do, but they need the resources to do it safely.”

He concluded by reaffirming the importance of community policing as the foundation of public safety in Ireland. “People need to feel safe going about their everyday lives — and Gardaí need to feel safe doing their jobs,” he said. “That’s the balance we need to restore.”

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