Four local garda stations to close today

Four local garda stations are closing their doors for the final time today. Garda barracks in Ballinhown in Westmeath, Ballyforan and Knockcroghery in Roscommon and Shannonbridge in Offaly, are among 95 stations nationwide shutting their doors today, January 31. Minister for Justice Alan Shatter announced the closure of the stations late last year and said the objective of the consolidation of the garda station network is to secure the more efficient deployment of Garda members so that a more effective policing service can be delivered in the areas concerned. Minister Shatter said of the stations to be closed, 98% are currently open part-time, 94% of stations are open for three hours or less each day, 88% are served by one garda member only and just 5% are served by three or more members. 86 of the barracks are less than ten miles from the new station and 30 are five miles or less from the new station.