Clare Communities set to be stripped of their local garda station today have expressed anger and disappointment over the decision and with fears for future local policing.
Stations in Broadford, Kilmihil, Inagh, Lahinch, Mountshannon, Quin, Doonbeg and Labasheeda are among 95 nationwide shutting down today, while the Districts of Ennistymon and Killaloe will be merged with Kilrush and Ennis.
Government representatives insist it will provide for a more effective policing service, while senior garda officials here have moved to reassure the affected communities that they will have a policing presence.
However spokesperson for Inagh Development Limited Frank Gunter – who’s also a retired Garda Superintendent is sceptical.
Meanwhile, the Justice Minister is insisting that the closure of garda stations will not diminish community policing.
Today’s closures brings to over 130 the number of Garda Stations which have closed their doors in the last year, but Alan Shatter insists the move is not designed to deprive communities of resources – but rather to improve service quality.
