Threat of closures as a third of stations are staffed by just one garda

Almost a third of all Garda stations are staffed by just one garda, raising the likelihood of widespread closures of stations in 2013.

Figures released by the Department of Justice show 205 stations out of almost 660 are staffed by just one garda, predominantly in small rural villages.

Another 40 stations are without any permanent garda assigned to duty, while a further 88 stations have just two serving gardaí.