Good news for Headford Garda base – but less so in south of the county

Confirmation that one Garda Station in North Galway is set for major renovation has led to calls for rural stations – shut down around the county – to be brought back into use.

Cllr Andrew Reddington welcomed news that a six-figure sum has been guaranteed for renovation of Headford Garda Station – in the process ensuring that it would remain open into the future.

The station has two Gardaí on a part time basis – but, according to the Fine Gael councillor, exact opening times have yet to be clarified despite his efforts at a meeting of the Joint Policing Committee.

Cllr Reddington did reveal that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has confirmed upgrade works at Headford Garda Station, which will include fire protection for the ceilings and doors, tackling damp, and general maintenance to the building that dates back to the last century.

The Headford councillor has been to the forefront of demanding that the OPW put the project out to tender as soon as possible given the fact that funding for the project has been allocated.

But his FG colleague Cllr PJ Murphy has been highlighting the need for a Garda presence in rural parts of the county, stating that there were occasions when the youth needed their guidance.

He was specifically referring to Ardrahan Garda Station which used to have a full time Sergeant and Garda – but was now only open infrequently.

Recently, Cllr Murphy asked about the availability of cover in the Ardrahan area and believed that the time spent there by Gardai was insufficient.

“We now have a Garda presence there for two hours, two evenings a week but this is insufficient given the population of the area,” he said.

“It’s not that there is a huge crime rate in the area but there is a requirement of a Garda presence to interact with local communities and youth groups. This has been lost due to cutbacks,” Cllr Murphy added.

When he raised this at a meeting of the Joint Policing Committee, he was informed that Garda management was finalising the placement of a full-time member in Ardrahan.

However, due to the repair works that are required for the existing Garda Station coupled with the lack of funding, it would not be possible for the Garda to be accommodated in the living accommodation there.

Cllr Murphy said that every village should have a permanent Garda presence, as was the case in the past.