August 1st 2014

ICSA rural development chairman Billy Gray has called on the Minister for Justice to ensure that adequate resources are made available to the Gardaí to combat crime in rural areas.

“We have seen a notable increase in complaints from our members about property being stolen and farmers experiencing aggressive and intimidating behaviour from unwanted visitors,” said Mr. Gray.
“The ordinary law-abiding citizen seems to have nowhere to turn in such situations, while these criminals seem to be above the law. The problem has been exacerbated by the closure of rural garda stations and the drop in Garda numbers in recent years. We are calling on the Minister to ensure that the force has adequate resources and training to fight rural crime.”

“If the situation continues, we may see further cases of farmers taking the law into their own hands. Nobody wants to see this happening, but many rural dwellers, particularly elderly couples or those who live alone, are living in terror and unless something is done, who knows where it will end?”