One-person garda stations protect us all

Many people are concerned about media reports “that the future of one-person garda stations nationwide hangs in the balance.”

There are 40 such stations in Cork. They are in all parts of the county, from Watergrasshill to Whitegate and Glengarriff to Doneraile.

To suggest country areas can be served from locations miles away is ludicrous. Rural policing needs to be stepped up. I compliment Justice Minister Alan Shatter and welcome the recommencing of garda recruitment next year. With rural crime increasing, the one-person stations should remain open and garda recruitment will help in that regard.