THE CLOSURE of some Garda stations and reduced opening hours in others will free gardaí who would have been on administrative duties to instead carry out other tasks, according to a status report published yesterday.
The Garda Inspectorate had recommended the Garda Síochána release personnel from administrative duties at stations through changes in opening hours and the increased use of civilian personnel.
A status report on its recommendations published yesterday said the Garda’s 2012 Policing Plan, which includes the closure of 39 rural stations and reduced opening hours in another 10, would “result in some members being released from administrative duties to other tasks”.
The report added that a recommendation for sergeants to perform supervisory duties by way of mobile patrol had now been implemented. “A number of sergeants have now undergone mountain bicycle training [to enhance] their ability to supervise personnel.”
The report also said while the Irish Prison Service (IPS) would not now be taking over the transport of remand prisoners to and from court due to financial restraints, the Garda would seek to pass the duty to the IPS when resources became available.