North Meath could be left without overnight Garda cover, say councillors
Concerns have been raised over plans to close Kells Garda Station during night-time hours.
Fine Gael councillor Sarah Reilly and Fianna Fáil councillor Seán Drew said the proposal, which they say is linked to the nationwide Garda restructuring model, could leave North Meath without any operational Garda station overnight.
The Garda Operating Model was introduced as part of the Government’s policing reform programme, A Policing Service For Our Future, based on recommendations from the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
Launched in 2019, the model aims to restructure the police service to better meet the needs of communities and respond to changing crime trends.
According to the councillors, the new model also involves the removal of a Garda Superintendent from Kells.
“If fully adopted, this would mean that no Garda station in the North Meath area would remain operational during night-time hours — a situation we find deeply concerning and unacceptable,” they said in a joint statement.
The pair have requested an urgent meeting with the Superintendent to seek “immediate clarification”.
“The proposed closure of Kells Garda Station at night would have serious ramifications for the people of North Meath. The station plays an integral role in ensuring public safety and providing a visible Garda presence in the community.
"Any move to downgrade or restrict its operations must be resisted in the strongest possible way,” they said.
Both councillors added that maintaining “adequate policing resources” in rural Meath is not only a matter of community confidence but of public safety.