It is unlikely a new police station will be built in the Wicklow town of Greystones, despite gaining planning approval, according to local councillors.

Despite An Bord Pleanála refusing permission for a new shopping development in Charlesland, it did green light part of the scheme which proposed a new garda base for the area.

However, town councillor Kathleen Kelleher said she was pessimistic as to whether a new station would ever be built.

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She described the current facility in the town as "totally inadequate for a modern police force".

Superintendant Lernihan said he recognises the need for a new station, but conceded that there are many other towns in the country which have a greater need.

"I know it's not acceptable and it would be good to get a new one but I think it is currently number 50 or 51 on the national list," he said.

According to councillor Derek Mitchell, the Department of Justice has been offered a site in Charlesland for a fixed price. He said if the department did not buy it within a certain time frame, the council would purchase the land for the market value.

Councillor George Jones said he believes moving the station to Charlesland is a bad idea.

"A town centre building near this (the town council) building would be much more appropriate," he said.

(PR/JM)