9 September 1998

By TALLYMAN

Mayo Gardai have to work in conditions not fit for animals

There has been great pressure of late, both here and in the UK, to update legislation to counter the activities of splinter terrorists groups.

The tough new laws have to be welcomed by all right minded people and hopefully they will have the desired affect of putting those responsible for the Omagh bombing behind bars, and indeed anyone associated with their evil acts.

But what of the plight of the those delegated the task of enforcing our laws on a day-to-day basis.

Members of the Gardai, one could correctly say, are reasonably well paid for the job they do, particularly with their most recent and somewhat controversial increase.

They have served the people and the interests of the State well since their foundation seventy-six years ago.

Many welcome changes in the force have been witnessed in that time. Operations have been streamlined and mobilisation has resulted in an almost instant response from the officers.

But, in all fairness, one would expect that they should have proper working conditions. In an age of high technology, scientific advances and international police co-operation, our officers of the law should not be expected to have to carry out their duties from delapidate, dangerous and even condemned buildings

But this is very much the case in Mayo.

Take such stations as Achill Sound, Balla, Ballina, Ballinrobe, Ballyglass and Claremorris The latter surely must be one of the worst in the country.

In Claremorris there are 25 members and three civilians and the building they occupy is not a fit place of work for anyone.

Successive Governments have promised action. But the officers still have to waiting for something to happen.

In the last Coalition Government the then Minister Jim Higgins from Ballyhaunis promised that Minister for Justice Nora Owen would address the situation.

In fact he guaranteed disgruntled officers that he would bring her to see conditions at the station first hand, while she was on a visit to the county.

They are still waiting and the building is deteriorating day-by-day.

Now can the Gardai expect to give of their best if that have to work out of inferior, damp and crumbling conditions.

No one else would put up with it and why should the Guardians of the Law have to work in conditions which could be injurious to their health, not to mention a downer on morale.

It has to be acknowledged that the new Garda Stations in Mayo which have been provided in recent years at Westport, Castlebar, Swinford and Keel are state of the art and are a welcome development.

But the facilities, particularly at Ballina, Ballinrobe and Claremorris are 19th century and urgently need upgrading.

Justice Minister John O'Donoghue must tackle this thorny problem. Lets see if our Fianna Fail Oireachtas representatives, Beverley Cooper-Flynn, Tom Moffatt and Senator Frank Chambers can use their political influence to have this issue resolved.

I would suggest that the Garda Representative Association should immediately highlight the conditions in these sub-standard buildings.

Have the faults photographed and published so the public become aware of just how bad the situation is. Many of the buildings are not fit for animals.

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - September 1998