Justice Minister says major changes to how the Garda force operates will lead to a more agile and responsive police service.
Justice Minister and Laois Fine Gael TD, Charlie Flanagan, says major changes to how the Garda force operates will lead to a more agile and responsive police service.
1,800 additional Gardaí are being deployed to the front-line, while the number of Garda divisions is being reduced from 28 to 19, in an effort to reduce admin duties and create community policing teams.
The Laois/Offaly division is set to merge with Kildare, while Westmeath is joining Meath.
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors claims it's a "downgrading" of management structures, and consultation was too rushed.
But Commissioner Drew Harris says the government fully supports his plan:
Laois Women’s Quilt And Antarctic Adventures To Take Centre Stage At Midlands Science Festival
Singer Tolu Makay Brings National Tour Home To Offaly
Irish Rail Appeals For Public Help After Midlands Train Vandalism
Revenue Officers Seize Contraband Worth €169k
Fabric Of Change Launches Week-Long Fashion Pop-Up In The Midlands
Offaly Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses After Church Break In
Two Cars Seized In Midlands During Garda Tyre Safety Crackdown
Offaly Woman Crowned Ms Ireland