Eugene Murphy, a Fianna Fáil TD, has called on Frances Fitzgerald, the Minister for Justice, to ensure that Tarmonbarry Garda Station is included in the review that will examine the reopening of Garda Stations in certain areas.
Deputy Murphy received clarification from Sean Canney, the Minister of State for Public Expenditure and Reform, that the station was still under state ownership and its future use was under consideration. Tarmonbarry is one of seven stations in the constituency that has been closed since 2012.
Deputy Murphy recently queried the ownership status of the seven closed Garda stations in Co Roscommon, namely Ballintubber, Ballyforan, Ballymoe, Cootehall, Knockcroghery, Loughglynn and Tarmonbarry.
“Minister Canney has informed me that all seven Garda stations which were previously closed in Co. Roscommon are still under state ownership,” he said.
“Loughglynn Garda station has been retained for state use by the HSE, while Cootehall Garda station has been assigned for community use. The future use of the remaining stations – Ballintubber, Ballyforan, Ballymoe, Knockcroghery and Tarmonbarry – is still under consideration.
“Under the terms of the programme for government, a new pilot scheme will be launched to reopen six Garda stations.
“I am calling on the Minister for Justice to ensure that Tarmonbarry station is considered for this pilot programme.
“This station’s location on the main N5 road, right beside the Shannon ensures accessibility and would enable officers to serve the town itself and the surrounding areas.”
