Garda groups hit out at speed of station closures

All but two of the 100 Garda stations set for closure are to shut by the end of this month, according to Garda management plans due to be announced in the coming days.

Garda staff associations have strongly criticised the speed of the closures, saying the process was “rushed” and that not enough time was being given to communities and gardaí affected.

The associations said gardaí were no longer going to be at the heart of rural communities and may become a “response service” — responding to crime rather than also preventing it by having a presence in communities.

The representative bodies fear that, given the greater distances gardaí will now have to travel and the lack of patrol cars, waiting times and response times will lengthen in rural areas.

All 100 Garda stations — bar two in Dublin — listed for closure on budget day are to shut by Jan 30 or 31.

There were indications yesterday, which could not be confirmed, that some stations, which currently have nobody in them, could be shut earlier.

In the coming days, Garda management is due to release a list of the closures and alternative arrangements, including clinics, that are being put in place.

“The deadline has been bumped up to Jan 31 and I don’t think that’s enough time for consultation and to set up clinics,” said Willie Gleeson, president of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.

“It’s a rushed process. Consultation has to take place with affected groups and community associations. It’s all too fast.”

In relation to gardaí affected, he said: “It’s now the middle of January and they don’t know where they’re going, how they’re going to be accommodated, and so on. They are not giving members and the public time to acclimatise.”

John Parker, president of the Garda Representation Association, said: “We sought deferral, pending consultation with communities and to give members proper notice.”

He added: “Most communities are going to have to police themselves more, the burden will be more on them. If they see something wrong, ring the guards.”

Mr Gleeson said: “I’m fearful we’re going to become a response service. We will respond to a crime and will not appear in the area again until there’s another incident. That’s a backward step in my view.”