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Garda station closed for safety
reasons
17.03.10
CARNDONAGH Garda
station was closed for renovations for health and
safety reasons, according to a local campaign group.
Carndonagh Community and Rural Development Company (CCRDC)
recently met with Garda Superintendent William
Johnston and Inspector David Kelly to ask why an
expensive upgrade to the existing station was being
done instead of a long-promised new policing
head-quarters for North Inishowen.
The group was told the upgrade would cost €112,000
and not the €175,000 reported to the media.
Nevertheless, Gardai acknowledged the sum was still
substantial.
CCRDC was also told the old station failed health
and safety and fire protocols and urgent works were
required.
A spokesperson for the group said Supt Johnston
assured them he would continue to vigorously pursue
a new station with Garda Housing and the OPW. |
Supt Johnston also told
the meeting Gardai would be open to hearing local
submissions regarding a suitable building or site
for a new HQ in Carn.
Meanwhile, Inspector Kelly was asked about the level
of policing cover available to the town with the
closure of the local station for three months.
Inspector Kelly said the |
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temporary Garda office
in Carn Public Services Centre was working well. He
also assured the group there would be no reduction
in the level of Garda service while the local
station was closed. Inspector Kelly also hoped
people would actually notice an improvement due to
the recent appointment of an extra sergeant for the
area.
CCRDC urged Supt Johnston to continue pressing Garda
Housing and the OPW for the new Garda station and
were assured this would happen.
"We will continue to fight for the new Garda HQ in
Carndonagh as was promised and we expect that the
local public representatives of all parties will
join us to bring this about," said a spokesperson.
"We would ask anyone who feels they have a suitable
site or building for the proposed new station to
come forward." If you would like to contact CCRDC,
please email
ccrdcltd@hotmail.com . |
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