Frances Fitzgerald ‘in denial’ over rural crime

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has been accused of “being in a state of denial” about the impact the closure of rural Garda stations has had on crime.

In an interview in yesterday’s Irish ExaminerMs Fitzgerald ruled out reopening Garda stations which have closed in recent years and said the focus would now be on “smart policing”.

She said there are large parts of the country where crime rates are lower and therefore don’t need the same concentration of Garda stations as other areas.