Daingean garda station row

A political row is brewing over the future of Daingean's Garda station just months after the controversial closure of its fire station. Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan this week spoke of his concern over the future of some Garda services in Offaly, in particular, Daingean. However, his comments were dismissed as “scaremongering†by Fianna Fail councillor Ger Plunkett. Speaking to the Offaly Independent yesterday (Thursday) Deputy Flanagan said he believed there was a real threat of a reduction in service or of closure hanging over Daingean Garda Station. “We've had some serious crimes against property and persons in North Offaly, and any attempt to reduce Garda services in the area wouldn't be in the best interests of the people.†“I have concerns over the Garda service in Kilcormac and I'm concerned about the service, and the Garda station, in Daingean. I believe there is a threat of a significant reduction in service, or closure, of Daingean Garda station. At the time of going to press there was no Minister for Justice in place due to Dermot Ahern's resignation. However, Deputy Flanagan said he would call on the next Minister for Justice to clarify what the future will hold for the station in Daingean. “It's my understanding that there could be more and more reliance on services being provided from the larger Garda stations, with particular emphasis on Tullamore,†he said. “Any movement towards the centralisation of services would be to the detriment of the people. I'm anxious that this matter be cleared up with a statement from the Gardai and Minister for Justice.†There is currently no Sergeant in place at the Daingean station, and Deputy Flanagan called for that vacancy to be filled as soon as possible. Offaly County Councillor Ger Plunkett described Deputy Flanagan's claims as “scaremongering.†“There is no such threat to Daingean Garda station,†he said. “I would like to assure the people in Daingean that the Garda station is open.†Cllr Plunkett said he spoke to both the Superintendent and also Taoiseach Brian Cowen on the matter, and both give him assurances that Daingean Garda station is not closing. Cllr Plunkett said that Sgt Joe Egan who was stationed in Daingean got promoted to Tullamore, a move which was known for a number of months, but he only left Daingean a few weeks ago. There was a garda commuting from Athlone station for a few weeks, but now a garda from Tullamore has been transferred to work full-time in the Daingean Garda station.