|
|
Garda numbers won't be reduced –
Supt.
02.11.11
by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
INISHOWEN Superintendent Kevin English claimed that
the possible future closure of two Garda stations
here should not ‘make a severe impact’ on policing
the peninsula.
Speaking at a recent Joint-Policing Committee
meeting, the Buncrana-based chief confirmed that any
closures would not result in less Gardai on the
ground.
“That will not happen,” he said. Supt English
revealed that he has been asked to look at the
‘proposed closure’ of two Inishowen stations.
“There have been all sorts of rumours and
speculation but I can confirm that I have been asked
to look at two stations – Culdaff and Malin. Nothing
is concrete yet but any possible closures will not
result in a diminution of my numbers. In fact I’m
looking for an increase,” he said. |
“Culdaff station has
been vacant since December 2009 while people in
Malin are already familiar with going to the
administrative centre of the Garda station in Carn,
because of the community model of policing that’s in
place in those areas.
“These are large buildings with very few guards in
them. They are expensive to run and I have to make
sure I make the best use of resources. If one or two
places do close, I’ll have the same number of Gardai
and can move |
 |
|
Superintendent Kevin English. |
personnel within the
district to fill any vacuum,” Supt English added.
Inishowen TD Charlie McConalogue however remains
strongly opposed to the possible closure of any
stations here.
"It is interesting to note that in 1997 the Garda
numbers nationally were 10,968 as opposed to numbers
today of 14,162 (2011). During this time no Garda
stations were closed and it is therefore
unacceptable that the current government would use
any reduction in Garda numbers as a rationale to
close Garda stations as numbers are vastly greater
now than they were in 1997,” he said.
With only one Garda station here [Buncrana] open for
24-hours, the Government has promised to promote
Carn to the same status, a move which could see
extra officers drafted into the peninsula soon. |
|
