“There’s more towns past Dungarvan and we need our fair share of the cut of the pie as well.”

Those were the thoughts of Sinn Féin Councillor Donnchadh Mulcahy when asked about the recent allocation of Gardaí to County Waterford.

Eight new recruits were designated to Waterford, with 6 allocated to the city and 2 being assigned to Dungarvan.

“It will be a small impact for Dungarvan but for the likes of me who live in the far west it will have no impact at all,” Cllr Mulcahy said.

A candlelight demonstration recently attracted a significant attendance in Cappoquin as local people came together in solidarity and hope that rural areas could find peace.

“People don’t feel safe walking at night in around these towns and we’re a rural population and to have that sense of concern is really worrying.”

The Tallow based representative acknowledged the addition of Gardaí across the county but believes it’s not enough to make a sizeable impact.

“Two additional Gardaí for Dungarvan is simply not significant to cover the vast area. There’s serious concerns in our communities. It has not gone unnoticed that no additional members have been specifically allocated to the west of the county, despite very real and longstanding concerns being raised by residents and public representatives alike.”

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