Local Cllr calls for full-time Garda Station in Maynooth following spate of burglaries with vehicles stolen

By Kim O'Leary

There were a spate of burglaries in Maynooth yesterday Monday, January 21 and it is understood that several vehicles were stolen in the area and there are now fresh calls for a full-time garda station in Maynooth.

It is understood that houses in the new estates of Hayfield and Carton Wood were targeted and that the perpetrators used the “fishing” method on some homes, where they put a fishing rod in through the letter box to pick up keys on nearby tables.

Commenting on the matter, local councillor Naoise Ó Cearúil said, “Once again, the town is being targeted by thugs who have an easy escape onto the N4. My own home has been targeted in the past and this is becoming a far too regular occurrence”.

He continued, “I’ve been calling for a full-time station in Maynooth for years. Taking the burglaries aside, Maynooth is the only town in the country with a University. This means that the town has an additional population of 12,000 which is not accounted for in the census figures and all the additional issues that 12,000 people bring with it. We are looking at an even bigger population with the increase in houses in the area. I am unaware of any town in Ireland with a population of over 24,000 people without a full-time station…Enough is enough”

“It is high time that the Minister for Justice and Commissioner Harris recognise the need for a full time operational station in Maynooth. I have written to Chief Superintendent Wall, Minister Charlie Flanagan and Commissioner Harris calling for a full-time station in Maynooth," said Cllr Ó Cearúil.