'People deserve to feel safe,' Call for action on crime in West Waterford
Public representatives in West Waterford are calling for action following a number of recent incidents.
Public representatives in West Waterford are calling for gardaí on the ground following an incident that has left a man in his 40s in critical condition.
The incident happened around 11:50 p.m. on Friday, October 17, at the junction of Cook Street and Mill Street in Cappoquin.
The man was taken to University Hospital Waterford with serious injuries, where he remains in critical condition.
Cllr Donnchadh Mulcahy said the gardaí acted quickly, but this is not the first time something like this has happened.
“Enough is enough. This is not the first serious incident to happen in our area, and it highlights the reality that West Waterford is badly underserved when it comes to policing.
"People here deserve to feel safe in their homes, in their towns and on their streets, and that requires a visible Garda presence on the ground.”
“The men and women of An Garda Síochána do incredible work, but they are being asked to do more and more with less and less.
"Recruitment has not kept pace with retirements, rural stations have been closed, and communities like Cappoquin and Lismore have been left without a permanent Garda presence.
“That is simply unacceptable,” said Cllr Mulcahy.
TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Conor McGuinness TD, Sinn Féin said the incident has caused deep concern across the region and urgent action is needed.
“My thoughts are with the victim of this appalling assault and with his family at this very difficult time. This incident has deeply shocked people across West Waterford.
“I have consistently raised the lack of Garda numbers in the Dáil and have challenged the Minister for Justice to act.
“The absence of a permanent Garda presence in communities like Cappoquin, Lismore, Tallow and Villierstown is simply not acceptable.
“People deserve to feel safe, and that means more Gardaí on the ground, proper resources, and a policing plan that works for rural communities,” said Deputy McGuinness.
Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact Dungarvan Garda Station on (058) 48600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Deputy McGuinness and Cllr Kate O’Mahoney are seeking a meeting with the Garda Chief Superintendent and Superintendent in Dungarvan.
They said they are concerned about the increase in serious incidents in Dungarvan.
“We have been contacted by a growing number of constituents in recent weeks expressing serious concern about the rise in criminality and anti-social behaviour in Dungarvan and across West Waterford.
"This worrying increase has left many people feeling unsafe in communities across Co. Waterford.
“Our rank-and-file Gardaí are under extreme pressure - they are stretched, feel unsupported and their morale is on the floor.
"They need our full support - but they also need the resources and personnel to do their jobs effectively.
"Our community deserves a Garda presence that is visible, responsive, and engaged, said Deputy McGuinness.
Cllr Mahoney said they are concerned about garda numbers and the cut in funding for the Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Fund.
She called on the government to address the recruitment and retention crisis in An Garda Síochána as a matter of urgency.
“The Government’s repeated failure to increase Garda numbers is making the job of ensuring communities have the policing services they deserve much harder.
“We are also deeply concerned about the Government’s decision in Budget 2026 to cut funding for Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces by 25%.
"These cuts will have a devastating impact on frontline services that work hand-in-hand with Gardaí to prevent addiction, reduce harm, and support vulnerable individuals.
“At a time when communities are already under strain, these cuts make no sense whatsoever,” said Cllr O’Mahoney.
