Number of garda in westmeath down by 15 in last 5 years

The number of gardaí in the Westmeath Garda Division has fallen by 15 in the past five years, figures released in Dáil Éireann last week have shown.

In 2010, there were 262 gardaí serving in the division, but the number has been sliding since then, and the 2014 figure registered at just 247.

At the same time, the number of garda reserve members has increased – but not to an extent that would compensate for the drop in garda numbers.

In 2014, there have been 25 serving as reservists, compared to 2010 when there were just 19. The reserve numbers were even higher in 2013, however, with 27 serving in that capacity in the division.

The number of civilian personnel serving has stayed static, at 21, for the past three years. In 2011 and 2010, there were 20 civilian staff members.

The figures were given by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, to Deputy Robert Troy, who asked for details on staffing levels in the county, and in Kinnegad in particular.