Gardaí are launching a plan for more high-visibility policing in the Salthill area involving more foot patrols in multiple areas.
Starting from today, Gardaí from Galway Garda Station and Salthill/Bóthar na Trá Garda Station will be deployed on a daily basis at seven dedicated patrol areas.
From 8am to 4am each day, up to 13 Gardaí will be deployed specifically for these high visibility patrols, which have been identified following an analysis of calls for service, crime trends and feedback from the community and businesses in the city.
These will focus on policing public order offences, anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, aggressive begging and shoplifting. An Garda Síochána have said that they will be taking a “pro-arrest” approach recidivist offenders including strong bail objections where appropriate.
Speaking about the launch of the Galway City High Visibility Policing Plan, Assistant Commissioner Clíona Richardson of the Garda North Western Region said, “I welcome the introduction of this permanent High Visibility Policing Plan in Galway City and Salthill.”
“The additional Garda presence will provide reassurance to the community, strengthen our response to crime and anti-social behaviour and help ensure that Galway remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work, visit and socialise.”
“This initiative demonstrates the positive impact of increased Garda resources and operational experience, while also reflecting our commitment to working closely with local communities, businesses and partners to keep people safe.”
The introduction of the HVPs follows the allocation of 28 new Gardaí to the Galway Division through consequential transfers and allocation of probationer Gardaí.
Considerable numbers of new members of An Garda Síochána – 206 at the most recent attestation in July 2026 – have enabled the consequential transfers of Gardaí with operational experience who were stationed elsewhere in the country.
The increased foot patrols will be supported by resources from the Galway Garda Roads Policing Unit, the Garda Public Order Unit, Detective and plainclothes Gardaí.
Acting Chief Superintendent of Galway Garda Division, Damien Flanagan, said, “This is an important development for policing in Galway and one that I believe will make a real difference on the ground.”
“The plan has been shaped by a clear understanding of the issues affecting the city and by listening to the concerns of the local community and business sector. I want to thank our recently retired Chief Superintendent, Gerry Roche, for his support in the roll-out of this plan.”
Community Policing Gardaí will also deploy the Garda Community Engagement Van to locations around Galway City to support public engagement and offer crime prevention advice to members of the public, residents and the business community.
Community Policing Gardaí/ Units also remain in place and will continue to support public engagement and offer crime prevention advice to members of the public, residents and the business community.
