Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government over plans to sell three garda stations which have closed down.

The party said the proposals represent a "raw deal" for communities across Kilkenny.

TD Bobby Aylward made the comments after it was revealed that the Government is to sell the former garda stations at Inistioge, Johnstown and Ballyragget.

He said: "This news represents yet another loss for these local communities. Their local garda stations has already been shut down, and now the building which was once a focal point of the community is being sold off in a fire sale auction.

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"When the Government closed these garda stations it was promised that they would be made available for use by the local community. Unfortunately this has not happened and now the Government is moving to put these buildings in private ownership. I find it extremely difficult to accept that the Government could find no other use for these buildings that could benefit the local community.

"These buildings have been central to community life for decades, not only providing comfort and security to local residents, but also offering important ancillary services. The Government should have made every effort to ensure that the buildings are given back to the community and can remain at the heart of the community life."

(CD/LM)