An assistant garda commissioner has defended the controversial closing of garda stations.

Assistant Commissioner Michael O’Sullivan came despite a report saying 30% of victims of crime were disappointed with garda response times.

The report also shows 41% of victims were unhappy with how their cases were handled.

Assistant Commissioner Michael O’Sullivan said there are better ways of tackling crime than by having more garda stations.

“(People) would get a better service if I had people to quickly respond to incidents, as distinct from one man in a station with a car. He can only work eight or 12 hours, whatever he works,” he said.

“In the business of catching criminals, it is better to have (people to respond quickly).”