Plan to extend opening hours of Mayo garda stations

OPENING hours in some Mayo garda stations could be extended with civilian staff being recruited to man the front office.

The good news has been delivered by Chief Superintendent Raymond McMahon.

It might solve an issue raised by a Ballinrobe councillor who has received complaints from the public about the local station being closed at times when it's supposed to be open to the public.

Councillor Michael Burke said he appreciated there were times when the gardaí could not be there, such as when dealing with an accident.

But if an elderly person comes to do business during the appointed opening times, there should be someone in the office.

It was also important that the correct times are displayed, as well as a phone number to get assistance if there's no one available.

Ballinrobe Garda Station is open two hours a day. It should be manned at those times, he said.

Chief Supt. McMahon said a process has started in some districts to bring in garda staff, non-sworn members, to man the front of the station.

They hoped this would be expanded throughout the division and it would give members more time to be out engaging with the community, assisting the elderly and detecting crime.

Local Superintendent Gabriel Moran apologised for the inconvenience caused.

Ballinrobe is not a 24/7 station, he said, and members are responsible for policing throughout the area and they will be out at times.

They will seek to open the station during the advertised times and also normally look to open at additional times in the evening.

In next year's policing plan for the district they will look to give realistic times they can stand over as much as possible.

The notice board at the station will also be reviewed.

Supt. Moran said they were hoping the changes outlined by the Chief Supt. would allow for some greater opening of stations.