There are calls for more resources to be put into community policing in Clare to curb a rise in drug crimes in the county.
Shannon, Ennistymon and Kilrush have seen an increase in drug offences over the past year.
While there was an increase in drugs-related offences across parts of Clare, this is in stark contrast to the overall picture which shows crime levels are dropping.
They fell by almost 6% last year to their lowest rate in almost two decades.
However, concern has been expressed about drugs in particular, with local representatives referring to the issue as a ‘scourge’ on the community.
It coincides with a rise in drug offences nationally, which are on the up, according to the CSO.
Sixmilebridge-based Fianna Fail Councillor Alan O Callaghan says a lack of funding for community Gardai is part of the problem, which he believes is having a knock on effect on other crimes.
The county town of Ennis has seen an increase in both assaults and fraud cases – though burglaries and thefts have dropped.
Mayor of Ennis and Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy feels more Garda resources need to be provided to stop what he calls the ‘cancer’ of the county’s community.
