Cavan Garda station closures
Senator Wilson condemns the planned closure of Garda stations including Bawnboy, Stradone and Redhills, and asks the Justice Minister to explain the Government’s approach to policing and station closures.
At a time when vulnerable communities are worried about crime, the Minister, Deputy Shatter, used the cover of the budget to announce the closure of 100 Garda stations, including three in County Cavan, Bawnboy, Stradone and Redhills. This is a very cynical exercise by the Minister, a man who continues to treat the Garda Síochána and the people with contempt.
Comment on this
That is a remark uncharacteristic of Senator Wilson. It is ungenerous.
Comment on this
At a time when crime is on the increase, the Minister continues to close Garda stations, take Garda cars away from gardaí and lock them up in the Phoenix Park. Gardaí are supposed to police their areas by using CCTV while sitting in Garda stations in the main towns. It is a hugely cynical exercise by the Minister which I strongly condemn. I have a question for the Leader. Will he invite the Minister for Justice and Equality who is also the Minister with responsibility for more closures to come to the House in order that we can ask him what is he doing about policing? I will not even mention what he is doing to the Department of Defence.