POLICING in Ireland will go back to the Dark Ages if the Government adopts a recommendation to centralise gardaí in district headquarters, a garda leader will tell his organisation’s annual seminar today.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell’s tactic in hiring civilians to fill administrative positions so serving gardaí can go back on the beat is under threat.

JUSTICE MINISTER Michael McDowell’s plans to free up gardaí and put them back on the beat are “nonsense” because of the public service hiring freeze, garda representatives said yesterday.

GARDAÍ are expected to demand pay rises as part of any agreement to implement the proposed overhaul of the force.