Public representatives have raised concerns over the reallocation of Killarney-based Garda patrol cars to incidents in South Kerry, potentially leaving Killarney vulnerable to crime.

Local TD Danny Healy-Rae highlighted the issue in the Dáil this week during a debate on policing and community safety.

He pointed out that with the reduction of Garda stations in the region, response times to incidents in Kenmare and surrounding areas have increased significantly.

“If something happens down in Sneem, it takes a good hour for the patrol car to come from Killarney and a good half an hour to come from Kenmare or Waterville. That place is very exposed as a result of the way the force is being divided,” Healy-Rae stated.

The concern is twofold: not only does it take longer for gardaí to reach incidents in Kenmare, but while a Killarney-based patrol car is covering Kenmare, it leaves Killarney itself more exposed.

Healy-Rae stressed that the reduction in Garda numbers along both sides of the Kenmare River and Kenmare Bay has left many small harbours and piers vulnerable, particularly in areas like Sneem, Ardgroom, and Lauragh.

“There are many small piers and harbours that are totally exposed and available to those bringing drugs into our country. Our county is riddled with drugs at present, and we need a patrol car available to monitor these areas,” he said.

Healy-Rae called for increased Garda resources to address the issue, that crime is on the rise and that criminals have more ways to operate than in the past. He urged the government to restore Garda presence in these rural areas to ensure the safety of residents and to combat the growing drug problem.