Just half of shut garda stations reviewed

Only around half of the 138 garda stations closed during the recession were considered to be in a position to be reopened in a special report to be presented to the Government.

The Department of Justice-commissioned report’s release comes as the Government is accused of interfering with policing for its own ends, over the controversial decision to reopen Stepaside Garda Station, south Dublin. Government sources say the report said Stepaside was the main station recommended to be opened by the garda-written assessment. Others, including Rush in Co Dublin, Donard in Wicklow, and Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, are given a “likely” recommendation for reopening, sources say.

However, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) wants to quiz Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, department secretary general Noel Waters, and senior gardaí about the exact reasons why Stepaside was picked as the primary station to be reopened.