County Wexford gets 10 garda recruits

COUNTY Wexford has been allocated 10 new garda members following the swearing in of additional trainees as the country tries to get to grips with the coronavirus.

Speaking to this newspaper Inspector Graham Rowley said eight probationer members along with two members of staff from the Garda college in Templemore will be divided up between the three districts of Enniscorthy, New Ross and Wexford.

‘Two of them will also be working out of Gorey as well,’ said Insp Rowley.

The new recruits will take up their positions from this morning and they will assist existing members carry out their duties throughout the county.

While there were some scenes at the weekend of social distancing breaches in popular local tourist sites and beaches Insp Rowley said that in general people in County Wexford were adhering well to HSE and national guidelines as efforts are made to prevent the virus from getting a firm hold in the country.

‘The new members will provide a supporting role for the existing members here,’ said Insp Rowley.

It’s expected that County Wexford will also be allocated additional garda vehicles in the coming weeks following an intake of new vehicles into the force.

At national level the Garda training college in Templemore has been offered to the HSE as a medical facility.

During the passing out ceremony of the new recruits Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, said they will make a significant impact in helping the gardai support vital public services.