Downgrading of Garda stations is unacceptable - O' Súilleabháin

Minister Alan Shatters decision to close eighty rural based Garda stations is another example of the government's policy of downgrading the Gardaí according to a spokesperson for local Sinn Féin.  Fionntán O' Suilleabháin described the decision as totally unacceptable and urged the Minister to back down.  He also called for clarification that Gorey Garda Station will not be downgraded from a district headquarters to a sub-station of Enniscorthy.

Mr O' Súilleabháin said;

"Minister Shatters move to close eighty rural based Garda stations is totally unacceptable and yet another example of the government's policy of downgrading the Gardaí.  These closures will leave even more communities under siege from anti social elements."

"County Wexford has already lost two Garda stations under the Ministers reign; Ballywilliam and Baldwinstown.  Any further closures must be resisted.  The IFA and the Garda Representatives Association have already voiced their opposition to these cuts.  It's time for more community groups to come out and stand against the downgrading of vital frontline services."

"Plans to downgrade Gorey Garda Station from a district headquarters to a sub-station of Enniscorthy should be scrapped.  This would be an extremely regressive move and would leave Gorey deprived of adequate Garda resources.  I have passed on a question to our TDs to be raised in Leinster House on this issue."

"North Wexford Sinn Féin will be holding a public meeting on the ongoing attacks on rural Ireland in late November."