Armed support unit for Enniscorthy
AN Armed Support Unit (ASU) of the gardai is to be established in Enniscorthy.
Inspector Syl Hipwell confirmed to this newspaper that the new unit, which will be composed of three Sergeants and 12 gardai, will be based in the Enniscorthy station but will have responsibility for the south east region.
‘It will be towards the end of the year or more likely early in the New Year that they will be here but it is going to happen,’ said Insp Hipwell.
In welcoming the news he said applications for positions in the unit have already been submitted and that officers selected will undergo a rigorous 12-week training course.
‘Positions within the unit have already been advertised,’ said Insp Hipwell.
‘I would imagine people who are already trained and would like a transfer back down to Wexford will apply along with members who wish to join the unit,’ he said.
‘I would expect the unit will be here in the first quarter of next year but there will be work taking place in the station prior to that,’ he added.
That work will include expanding the car park spaces outside the station to cater for the additional personnel.
‘ There will be work taking place inside the building as well,’ said Insp Hipwell.
In addition to Enniscorthy being centrally located within the county there are existing facilities in the station that will suit the needs of the armed support unit, however, upgrading work will still be required.
‘I would expect that within the second half of this year work will start.’ said Insp Hipwell.
The Armed Support Units are composed of highly trained personnel who are all responsible for their own weaopns and equipment.
‘ They look after their own equipment and it will be very reassuring for us in the station to know that if we need their assistance they are here,’ said Insp Hipwell.
‘It will be of great assistance to policing across Wexford and the region.’