Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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The issue of Garda station closures in rural areas has received much prominence. What Mr. Cronin has asked for, rather than focusing on Garda station closures, is more resources for community alert and text alert programmes. I am a big supporter of these programmes, having seen waves of crime and criminal gangs so many times in Donegal. The only way to truly defeat them is with the community working hand in hand with An Garda Síochána. I love the idea of whole swathes of townlands looking out for suspicious behaviour and, in particular, vulnerable elderly people. It is the way to go.

With Garda station closures, I am concerned about the perception of security, particularly for elderly people. Will the witness provide some thoughts on the wider issues? For example, if a Garda station is to be closed, we need to resource community alert and ensure it operates. If we are to lose one, we must reassure the elderly that something else will replace it and put the investment into the likes of Muintir na Tíre.