The closure of more Garda stations will reduce patrols and a safe breeding ground for future criminals will fill the void.
That’s according to the President of the Garda Representative Association and Killarney native John Parker.
Yesterday, the Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan announced that 100 more stations around the country are to close including nine in Kerry.
These are located in Ballinskelligs, Valentia Island, Beaufort, Kilgarvan, Lauragh, Brosna, Abbeydorney, Camp, and Fenit.
Earlier this year, three stations, Cloghane, Ballylongford and Moyvane closed permanently.
It’s the biggest structural change in policing since the foundation of the Gardai.
John Parker says the closures were announced without proper public consultation.
He adds the GRA has always believed the closure of stations can only have a negative impact on communities and while the cost savings are minimal the impact on the areas in question will be immeasurable.
Mr Parker also says it means Gardai will not be able to deliver the first class service the public deserves.
