Shatter accused of making Garda a ‘neighbourhood watch’

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has been accused of reducing garda operations to a “glorified neighbourhood watch” through cutbacks, thereby giving criminals greater opportunities.

The stinging comments against the Fine Gael minister came as the opposition voiced concern over the closure of Garda stations nationwide.

Fianna Fáil accused the South Dublin TD of abandoning rural communities with the planned closure of over 90 stations over the next week.