Budget 2013 Justice: Closures will sever connection with communities

Garda representatives said the closure of 100 stations will “sever” connections between communities and local gardaí.

The Garda Representative Association said patrols would have to be cut and this would create a “safe breeding ground” for criminals.

The GRA, the largest staff body, said the stations were not being closed for reasons of efficiency, as claimed, but because garda numbers were being reduced.