Six police stations to reopen after review

The Irish government has rolled back time – by reversing its police station closure agenda. Six Garda stations are to reopen in the republic following a review, the justice minister has said. The report was commissioned after a Programme for Government pledge. More than 130 stations closed during the recession. Former stations at Stepaside and Rush in Dublin; Leighlinbridge, County Carlow; Donard, County Wicklow; Ballinspittle, County Cork; and Bawnboy, County Cavan, will reopen. Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, said: “This is a Christmas wish come true . . . and means whole communities can look forward to a safer new year with a dedicated Garda presence back on our streets.”