Station closures will have ‘drastic consequences’

THE general secretary of the Chief Superintendents’ Association has warned the closure of rural Garda stations will reduce the flow of intelligence which is vital in preventing and solving crime.

Kieran McGann, who has just retired after 40 years in the force, said such a move “could pose the most serious challenge to the Garda Siochána”.

He “firmly believes” there should no decrease in garda numbers and no closure of rural stations.