Govt 'to close Garda station undergoing renovations'

One of the Garda stations to be closed down by the Justice Minister Alan Shatter is currently undergoing a complete refurbishment, according to Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson Dara Calleary.

The Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin had announced that 31 Garda stations are to be closed under the €2.2bn cost-cutting programme in 2012.

Deputy Calleary has confirmed that major renovation and redecoration works are being carried out at Loughglynn Garda Station in Co Roscommon, but despite this, the station was named by Mr Shatter this week as one of the 31 he plans to shut down.

The Fianna Fáil TD said: "It beggars belief that Minister Shatter could sanction expensive refurbishments of a garda station that he has no intention of keeping open.

"Even as we speak, the builders are at Loughglynn Garda Station today continuing with their work. An Garda Síochána will foot the bill for all of these renovations, despite the fact that the facility is now being shut down.

Mr Calleary said the savings achieved by shutting the 31 stations is "nominal", while the impact on the community is "enormous".

He said: "In the case of Loughglynn, the gardaí have invested considerable resources on carrying out necessary improvements to the building so shutting it down will cost far more than keeping it open."