Carrick on Shannon crime drops 25% in 2024, CSO

Crime in Carrick-on-Shannon has fallen by a significant 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to new data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). 

The figures, part of a nationwide analysis of recorded offences reported to Gardaí across all stations, reveal that Carrick-on-Shannon is among several large towns showing marked improvements in crime reduction between 2023 and 2024.

The Leitrim town joins other locations such as Mullingar (-37%), Malahide (-33%), Rathfarnham (-31%), Blackrock (-26%), and Killarney (-25%) in recording substantial drops in criminal activity.

The north-west region saw a decrease in violent offences, robbery, extortion, and drug offences. Meanwhile, there was a slight increase in weapons and explosives offences.

However, this decrease in crime bucks the trend nationally, with 52% of Garda stations reporting higher crime levels in 2024 compared to 2019, making Carrick-on-Shannon's drop particularly notable.

Nationally, incidents involving sexual offences rose by 8%, while weapons and explosives offences increased by 5%. Public order and social code offences also saw a 5% rise, alongside theft-related offences, which were up 3%.

Meanwhile, attempts or threats to murder, assaults, and harassment-related incidents rose by 3%, and burglary and related offences recorded a 2% increase compared to the previous year.

The figures reflect a concerning upward trend in some serious crime categories across the country.

Welcoming the figures, local councillor Sean McGowan praised both the Gardaí and the public for their efforts in maintaining community safety.

“It's great to see and have to compliment the Gardaí on the excellent work that they're doing to prevent crime in the first place and fighting it,” said Cllr McGowan.

“And I suppose credit is due to the general public who are vigilant... the WhatsApp groups and the text alerts are a great incentive for people to report suspicious activities.”

He added that these community-based systems allow residents to look out for each other without putting themselves in danger.

“They’re alerting the rest of the community – their neighbours, friends – about the possibility of people who might be up to suspicious activity... I wholeheartedly welcome the figures and I hope they continue in that vein.”

The CSO's analysis also revealed a more mixed picture nationally. While many towns recorded a drop in crime, six Garda stations reported 2024 crime levels reaching a 20-year high. These include Moate (Co. Westmeath), Navan (Co. Meath), Cashel (Co. Tipperary), Gorey (Co. Wexford), Castleconnell (Co. Limerick), and Tulsk (Co. Roscommon).

These figures are based on reported crimes, the real number is likely higher.

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