The two largest Garda Representative bodies have warned that forthcoming retirements in the force will create a difficult situation for policing the State.
Figures released this week show that at least one in six senior officers are handing in their papers and that 10% of stations could be left without sergeants and 8% left without any gardaí if those who can retire do so.
Here in Clare around 20 gardaí retired over the last year and up to 21 more who have applied for retirement could be gone by Christmas.
The Minister for Justice Alan Shatter said management and supervisory vacancies will be filled through promotion.
But The Garda Representative Association has called the reduction in garda numbers ‘reckless endangerment’, while the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors says it is extremely worried about the capacity of the gardaí to provide a police service.
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