Garda stations ‘may re-open'

By Emma Connolly

GARDA stations in Ballydehob, Ballinspittle and Adrigole could be re-opened in as little as six weeks' time. 

The one-man stations were closed down around 2013 but after an intervention by local Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Health Jim Daly, they look set to be manned once again.  

The Clonakilty-based TD has requested a review of garda station closures across West Cork, in particular in Ballydehob, Ballinspittle and Adrigole, by the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan. 

‘I chose those three stations, as they are all rural, as well as having a coastal aspect to them,' said Minister Daly. 

‘Minister Flanagan gave me a good hearing and I am cautiously optimistic a review at this stage will have a positive result for West Cork. All three stations are in good physical condition so it would take very little to re-open them,' he said. 

‘While savings had to be found in every Department during the recession, I think that the passage of time has proven that rural Garda stations are a source of comfort to people living in the nearby vicinity, particularly if they are living alone. From the conversations I have had with constituents over the past while, there is no doubt in my mind that these rural stations play an important role in people's sense of security and well-being' he added.