Fianna Fáil Local Election candidate for Mullingar-Kilbeggan, Cllr Avril Whitney, has called on the Government to immediately reverse the decision to close over 100 rural Garda stations across the country.
Cllr Whitney had a motion unanimously supported by members at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis last weekend calling for the decision to close four Garda stations in Westmeath to be reversed.
“Since this Government came to office they have continuously undermined the long-term sustainability of life in rural Ireland. It seems that the ideology of Government is to centralise all services,” she said.
“The Government seems intent on centralising more and more power in Dublin. LEADER funding has been cut, rural post offices have been closed, rural bus routes have been curtailed and small schools are in danger of being forced to close.
“Following the closure of Rathowen Garda Station, I met many members of my community and it quickly became clear to me that our elderly are living in fear. They feel like prisoners in their own homes, this is no way for any citizen of our country to feel.
“I will continue to work with people in Rathowen, Walshestown, Milltown, and Gainstown to help in establishing Community Alert and text alert systems so people can again feel secure in their local communities. The Government must match this commitment by re-opening rural Garda stations; which saved minimal amounts of money for the Government.”
