One of the Garda Stations to be closed down by the Justice Minister is currently undergoing a complete overhaul, according to Fianna Fáil.

The Loughglynn Garda Station in Roscommon is having major refurbishment works, however this week it was named as one of the 31 stations Alan Shatter plans to close down.

Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson Dara Calleary, who confirmed the news, said: "It beggars belief that Minister Shatter could sanction expensive refurbishments of a garda station that he has no intention of keeping open. Even as we speak, the builders are at Loughglynn Garda Station today continuing with their work. An Garda Síochána will foot the bill for all of these renovations, despite the fact that the facility is now being shut down.

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"This is just further evidence of the fact that closing these rural garda stations makes no financial sense.  There savings achieved by shutting these 31 stations is nominal, while the impact on the community is enormous.  In the case of Loughglynn, the gardaí have invested considerable resources on carrying out necessary improvements to the building so shutting it down will cost far more than keeping it open."

Mr Calleary is calling on Minister Shatter to explain his logic in closing the station and to outline the full costs of the refurbishments so far.

(CD)