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Garda station closed for safety reasons 17.03.10

CARNDONAGH Garda station was closed for renovations for health and safety reasons, according to a local campaign group.
Carndonagh Community and Rural Development Company (CCRDC) recently met with Garda Superintendent William Johnston and Inspector David Kelly to ask why an expensive upgrade to the existing station was being done instead of a long-promised new policing head-quarters for North Inishowen.
The group was told the upgrade would cost €112,000 and not the €175,000 reported to the media. Nevertheless, Gardai acknowledged the sum was still substantial.
CCRDC was also told the old station failed health and safety and fire protocols and urgent works were required.
A spokesperson for the group said Supt Johnston assured them he would continue to vigorously pursue a new station with Garda Housing and the OPW.
Supt Johnston also told the meeting Gardai would be open to hearing local submissions regarding a suitable building or site for a new HQ in Carn.
Meanwhile, Inspector Kelly was asked about the level of policing cover available to the town with the closure of the local station for three months. Inspector Kelly said the
The old Garda Station at Malin Road, Carndonagh.
temporary Garda office in Carn Public Services Centre was working well. He also assured the group there would be no reduction in the level of Garda service while the local station was closed. Inspector Kelly also hoped people would actually notice an improvement due to the recent appointment of an extra sergeant for the area.
CCRDC urged Supt Johnston to continue pressing Garda Housing and the OPW for the new Garda station and were assured this would happen.
"We will continue to fight for the new Garda HQ in Carndonagh as was promised and we expect that the local public representatives of all parties will join us to bring this about," said a spokesperson.
"We would ask anyone who feels they have a suitable site or building for the proposed new station to come forward." If you would like to contact CCRDC, please email ccrdcltd@hotmail.com .
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