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Deputy John Brassil.
FIANNA Fáil TD for Kerry, John Brassil, has strongly criticised the Government after new information compiled by Fianna Fáil reveals there has been a decrease in the number of dedicated traffic corps members in the Kerry Garda Division since 2009.
According to their figures, the Kerry Garda Division is down by 17, from 35 to 18, a 49% decrease. Nationally, there has been a 42% decrease.
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“The Garda Traffic Corp is directly responsible for the full enforcement of road traffic legislation and to assisting the free flow of traffic in and around the county,” said Deputy Brassil.
“Despite there being a significant increase in the numbers using our road network with more road users including cyclists and motorists, the number of dedicated Gardaí policing our roads has fallen.
“Kerry has a large number of big towns and busy villages. There is a need to have a fully functioning and equipped Garda Traffic Corps in the county. It makes no sense to me to see such a large drop in the last decade in the total number of Gardaí dedicated to traffic matters,” he added.
“While operational and deployment matters are the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner, it is the Minister for Justice’s responsibility to set the government’s priorities and ensure the right level of resources,” concluded Brassil.
