The newly appointed rural crime lead Michael Corbett has urged rural dwellers to report all crimes, no matter how small they are.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio One on Friday, the Fermoy-based superintendent discussed the big concerns in relation to crime in rural Ireland.

"If it's not reported, we can't investigate it. It's vitally important that we give people the confidence to report any type of crime. We can ensure you that in An Garda Síochána we will be fully investigating those crimes if they're reported to us," Corbett said.

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He acknowledged the anxiety among older people and community groups in rural areas who he said "feel vulnerable" as a result of the geographical areas they live in. This anxiety, he added, is heightened as the evenings get darker and the winter approaches. However, he said that An Garda Síochána has always been dealing with rural crime head on and will continue to do so.

"We have community policing teams embedded in communities throughout the country. It's about co-ordinating our approach to rural crime and giving that reassurance that we are there," Corbett said.

Prosecutions

Corbett said that An Garda Síochána are prosecuting people every day of the week, adding that often the work at district court level goes unnoticed.

"There used to be local reporters in the district courts reporting on court cases and prosecutions and we've lost that since Covid-19 and I'd love to see it back," he said.

Welcoming the the new role, IFA deputy president Alice Doyle said that Supt Corbett's appointment by the new Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly is a major step in the ongoing fight for rural dwellers, farmers and landowners against the scourge that is rural crime and is greatly welcomed.

She said Corbett is a great fit for the role, coming from a rural and farming background, coupled with extensive experience in crime investigation while sitting on the Rural Safety Forum.