Sep 19, 2011:

Active Retirement Ireland Criticises Plans to Close Garda Stations

Active Retirement Ireland (ARI) has expressed concern that over 200 Garda stations could be closed as a result of funding cuts.  The organisation has said such a move would breach commitments previously made by An Garda Síochána, and would leave older people feeling more vulnerable and isolated than ever before.

 

"The older people's strategy published by An Garda Síochána in 2010 contained a commitment to increasing trust and confidence amongst older people and lessening their fear of crime," said Maureen Kavanagh, Chief Executive Officer of ARI.  "It also committed to responding to the needs of older people on an ongoing basis.  Any widespread closure of stations would clearly fly in the face of such commitments. 

 

"We know from our members that a major concern is the situation in rural areas, where - even as things are at present - Garda stations are often left unmanned, and no answer is forthcoming when people try to report an incident.  Closing such stations altogether would leave older people feeling less secure than ever before. 

 

"The recession has already been impacting negatively on crime levels and social isolation.  Active Retirement Ireland believes any closure of Garda stations would only serve to increase such problems, and we strongly urge An Garda Síochána to consider alternative cost-saving measures."

 

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