Simon Harris responds to concerns around rural crime and lack of Gardaí in Galway

Justice Minister Simon Harris has expressed hope today that a new initiative to be rolled out in Galway next year will help tackle crime in rural areas. 

Community Safety Partnerships are to rolled out across the entire country, as fears grow that criminals are taking advantage of low Garda numbers in more isolated areas.  

Minister Harris was in the city today for the Prison Officers Association annual conference at the Galmont Hotel. 

He outlined Government plans to create space for an additional 620 inmates nationwide to address overcrowding. 

Minister Harris also spoke to David Nevin about rural crime in Galway, and a lack of Garda resources in the Galway division. 

He began by addressing the issue of overcrowding in Irish prisons.