Garda Reforms Dividing Opinion Amongst Local Politicians

New reforms by Garda Comissioner Drew Harris have divided opinion in political circles. 

New reforms by Garda Comissioner Drew Harris have divided opinion in political circles. 

The restructuring of the Gardai will see the Laois/Offaly merge with Kildare and Westmeath join with Meath. 

The shake up will see 1500 more Gardai hired by 2021 - including 800 in new roles and a further recruitment of more than 1200 Garda staff. 

Laois Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming is calling for the reforms to be delayed due to concerns about the impact on rural policing.

But Justice Minister and Laois Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan says the reforms will empower local Gardai.

However President of the AGSI -- Moate's Cormac Moylan says further investment in frontline resources is required.

Commissioner Harris has yet to set a date for when the reforms will come into effect. 

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