Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
THE MINISTER FOR Justice Alan Shatter has said this evening that the closure of Stepaside Garda Station, in Dublin South, will not result in fewer Gardaí patrolling the area.
Shatter’s comments come amid at least 1,500 protesters gathering at the location today to demonstrate against its closure.
Supported by TD Shane Ross and Sinn Féin, the rally was attended by men, women and children of the locality, holding banners that read: “Don’t Shatter Stepaside Garda Station”. About 20,000 people live in the Stepaside area in county Dublin.
“Stepaside Garda Station, in my constituency of Dublin South, is the largest Garda station to be closed in the implementation of the Garda Commissioner’s Policing Plan for 2013. The objective of station closures is to enhance the effectiveness of the Force – increasing Garda visibility
and patrol hours, improving Garda mobility and flexibility and using Garda resources to the best possible effect,” Shatter said.
He continued:
The closure of the Stepaside Garda station will not result in a loss of Gardaí in the Stepaside area. The 34 Garda members currently stationed in Stepaside will be primarily based in Dundrum Garda Station with some also stationed in Blackrock station.
As a consequence of additional Gardaí being freed up from desk duties, there will be an increase in the number available for frontline policing duties in the community, investigating, detecting and preventing crime.
While recognising that constituents in the Stepaside area were “concerned” about the station closure, Shatter said that – as the Minister for Justice – it would be “entirely wrong” for him to second-guess the Garda Commissioner’s judgement and expertise on the issue.
“I have not done so in the context of Garda Stations to be closed in other parts of the country and neither will I do so in my own constituency,” he said.
Shatter said that nationwide Garda station closures in 2013 will result in an extra 61,000 Garda patrol hours. Some 39 Garda Stations around the country were closed in 2012 which, Shatter said, was a contributory factor in 167 Gardaí being were freed up for frontline operational duties.
“The Garda station closures in 2013, 100 in total, are the result of a comprehensive operational assessment carried out by Garda Commissioner
Martin Callinan over the last 12 months,” he added.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
I know what all the do gooders will say but…… Bring back the death penalty
Sean I agree with you .
only 25 years?
Evil Creep
Glad justice was done however feel author could have referred to the little girl as Jennifer and not Cardy? Very impersonal
I agree with you Glenda.! It’s usually the suspected or condemned who’s first name is not used.. First thing I noticed.. Not good journalism.! Hang him high.!!!
He should be hung…and that little girls parents given the option to open the gallows…rot in hell indeed!
I would consider my self a liberal left wing type of guy but for some crimes, such a this, there can be only one punishment. A quick death.
not necessarily a quick one either
We are not monsters like him.
When a human has a cancerous lump we remove it quickly and as painlessly as possible. Child murderers and molesters are a cancer on society so these cancers should be surgically removed too. Taking pleasure in death makes us as bad as them.
a truly evil man
Vile
Just imagine the amount of money its going to cost to keep this disgusting piece of c***p alive?
In Jail he will have to be kept separate from other prisoners because he will be under threat of death…the system has to protect his like, how sick is that?
Maybe he should be put into a room full of parents to see how long he lasts?
He shows no remorse apparently, the family of Jennifer Cardy said that if he showed remorse and asked for forgiveness, they would give it. They are truly generous.
Should never be out again!!!
Read the details of this crime & was seriously disturbed. What he subjected these girls to was horrific – the police worked tirelessly until they could link him to this crime – I think they had to sift through over 200,000 fuel receipts to prove he was in the area when the crime was committed ! I think the death penalty would end his suffering so I think life in prison is better !
Totally agree but not in the luxury we afford his like. It seems criminal to allow him any luxuries, prision for him should be traumatic and painful…take away any sensory stimulation, it would be pretty horrific, a quick death would be too good for him.
prision for him should be traumatic and painful….. I agree Jeffery but some of the do gooders would argue that Jail is the punishment and not for punishment. His loss of freedom etc is puniashment…. I actually agree that these guys and this man in particular should be deprived all sensory stimulation. This is what made Alcatraz so terrifying for the gangsters of old . The boredom, the silence and the strict adherence to routine broke these fcukers
he is a sick vile pervert and not fit to live amoung us…he should be put to death and quickly remove the threat of someone like…
have your say