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GRA Defend Amount Paid For Garda Overtime Hours

Dublin North Central accounted for the biggest spend on Garda overtime in the capital last year, at €8.6 million.

More than 37 million was paid out for extra cover across Dublin in 2019.

More than €105 million went on garda overtime last year – with Dublin accounting for around a third of the bill.

The figures are down on 2018 as Garda bosses try to reign in spending.

Dublin North Central and Dublin North accounted for 15.6 million of the total – as Gardaí continue to deal with the Hutch/Kinahan feud and gang violence that has erupted in areas such as Coolock.

€8.4 million euro was spent in the Dublin South Central area, while half a million went on the traffic corps.

The GRA said Garda overtime is essential for the safety of both the force and the public.

Over 259,000 euro was set aside for the Wicklow Division in the 4th quarter of 2019, compared to 276,000 in the first quarter.

It's used for big events and planned operations but Garda officials have been trying to cut back on the cost.

The bill for extra cover nationally dropped to 105 million euro last year, significantly less than 2018.

Meanwhile ​Wicklow TD Simon Harris has written to the Minister for Justice about the need for an increased police presence in the Charlesland and Enniskerry areas following a recent spate of attacks.

Minister Harris is calling on the County Wicklow Policing Committee to discuss the recent increase in burglaries in residential areas adjacent to the N11 including Delgany and Kilcoole and extend the opening hours for Enniskerry Garda station.

 

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