Shutting down 10 garda stations across Galway city and county is a “dangerous decision” which must be reversed immediately.
This is the view of Fianna Fáil agriculture spokesperson and Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív, who condemned the Justice Minister Alan Shatter’s decision which will see 100 stations across the State closed this week
The stations in County Galway to close are: Kilconly, Menlough, Kiltullagh, Tynagh, Kilchreest, Kilcolgan, Leenane, New Inn, Shanaglish, and Ballymoe. In addition, Gort District Garda Headquarters will be downgraded and stripped of its district HQ status.
“The public cannot understand how the Government’s response to the surge in burglaries, thefts, and violent attacks in this region is to close another 10 stations,” said Dep Ó Cuív. “Minister Shatter needs to open his eyes and see what is going on here. People are fearful in their homes. They need a strong and visible garda presence in their communities.”
Dep Ó Cuív was dismissive of any claims that the closures have arisen due to the economic situation.
“These cuts are Minister Shatter’s own political decisions and are not as a result of an agreement with the Troika or anyone else,” he said. “No one is forcing him to shut down 100 garda stations. No one is forcing him to make such significant cuts to garda numbers.”
