Wexford Echo — Micheál Martin: Gardaí on the ground ‘a key deterrent against criminality’

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said today criticised the Government's policy of closing certain Garda stations.

He said people are living in fear in certain areas and it is time for a re-think on policing policy.

Deputy Martin made his remarks at Stepaside Garda Station in Dublin today.

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Michael martin says there needs to be a strong Garda presence on the ground #Stepaside #ff #GE16 @IrelandLive pic.twitter.com/G5wMwfXNs8
— Claudia Headon (@Claudia_UTV) February 18, 2016

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He said where gardaí are absent, there is no deterrent to stop burglars.

"I think the policy of placing more emphasis on mobility of gardaí as opposed to presence of gardaí on the ground, in my view, was misdirected," he said.

"And I think keeping presence on the ground, I think is a key deterrent against criminality."

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