Garda station gets revamp ahead of closure

ONE of the 31 Garda stations to be closed under Budget 2012 is currently undergoing a complete refurbishment, it has emerged.

Fianna Fáil’s justice spokesman Dara Calleary said it “beggared belief” that considerable money was being spent at Loughglynn Garda station in Roscommon.

The revelations come as Garda sources said the decision to close overnight a major Garda station in a Dublin suburb — where a large number of criminal gangs operate — “sent out the wrong message”.

Commenting on Loughglynn Garda Station, Mr Calleary said: “It beggars belief Minister Shatter could sanction expensive refurbishments of a garda station that he has no intention of keeping open.

“Even as we speak, the builders are at Loughglynn Garda station continuing with their work.”

Meanwhile, senior gardaí have expressed concern at a decision to shut Sundrive Road Garda station in Crumlin, Dublin, between 10pm and 8am.

It is one of two stations covering a large geographical area, within which a considerable number of organised crime groups operate, including two gangs involved in one of the country’s most violent feuds. “It absolutely sends out a message to criminal gangs — that there are not going to be police overnight,” said one Garda source.

He pointed out there will be gardaí in the station overnight, but that the public counter will be shut — leading criminals to think the station is closed.

He said victims of assault or robbery, as well as taxi drivers with problem passengers, will no longer be able to call into the station at night. He described the decision as “all about optics”, saying it would not save any money.