Sinn Féin’s Conor McGuinness TD and Cllr. Kate O’Mahoney have expressed serious concern over a worrying increase of serious incidents occurring in Dungarvan. As a result, they have sought a meeting with the Chief Superintendent and the Superintendent.
Speaking today, Deputy McGuinness said:
“We have been contacted by a growing number of constituents in recent weeks expressing serious concern about the rise in criminality and anti-social behaviour in Dungarvan and across West Waterford. This worrying increase has left many people feeling unsafe in communities across Co. Waterford.
“Our rank-and-file Gardaí are under extreme pressure – they are stretched, feel unsupported and their morale is on the floor. They need our full support – but they also need the resources and personnel to do their jobs effectively. Our community deserves a Garda presence that is visible, responsive, and engaged.
“We also need to see funding restored for Drug and Alcohol task forces and comprehensive community safety strategies put in place at the local level.
“My colleague Cllr. Kate O’Mahoney and I have sought a meeting with Garda management for the area to discuss these concerns directly and to press for increased Garda visibility, Garda responsiveness and Garda numbers for Dungarvan.
Cllr. Kate O’Mahoney added:
“The ongoing recruitment and retention crisis within An Garda Síochána must be addressed as a matter of urgency. The Government’s repeated failure to increase Garda numbers is making the job of ensuring communities have the policing services they deserve much harder.
“We are also deeply concerned about the Government’s decision in Budget 2026 to cut funding for Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces by 25%. These cuts will have a devastating impact on frontline services that work hand-in-hand with Gardaí to prevent addiction, reduce harm, and support vulnerable individuals. At a time when communities are already under strain, these cuts make no sense whatsoever.
Concluding, Deputy McGuinness said:
“Dungarvan and West Waterford deserve better – a properly resourced Garda service, safer streets, and real investment in community safety and support services. Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for our communities and demand the resources needed to make them safe.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 