Thousands of Gardaí needed insists new Fianna Fáil General Election candidate

Laois Fianna Fáil General Election candidate Austin Stack has welcomed the launch of a policy document to enhance and support urban living across Ireland which includes the promise of thousands of extra gardaí.

With two-thirds of the population residing in towns and cities, the Portlaoise native also believes Fianna Fáil’s plan will make urban areas cleaner, safer, and more resilient.

He says Fianna Fáil will introduce a new Urban Communities Initiative backed by €175m over the term of government if returned to power. This initiative will focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by communities in areas of high disadvantage.

“The Gardaí play an essential role in safeguarding the most vulnerable among us. Garda visibility on our streets and in our communities is vital to ensuring families feel safe. Without a strong Garda presence, we risk chaos in our towns and cities.

"Since 2020 the Garda training allowance has been increased, we have raised both the age limit for entry and the retirement age to aid Garda recruitment and retention. However, we need to do much more to ensure that there are far more Gardaí visible across our communities. More below pictures.

"Fianna Fáil will expand the Garda force by 5,000, the largest expansion ever in the history of the An Garda Síochána. This expansion will prioritise community and town-centre policing, helping to create a safer environment across our towns and cities. We will also fund improved training facilities and equipment to support Gardaí as they adapt to the demands of growing urban populations," he said in a statement issued by his party's HQ.

Mr Stack was added to the Fianna Fáil ticket in Laois on the day the General Election was called. He is a former prison officer who is contesting his first General Election.

There are 10 candidates declared in Laois running to win three seats in the new Laois constituency. Seán Fleming, of Fianna Fáil, Brian Stanley, now independent ar the outgoing TDs on the Laois side of the old Laois Offaly constituency.