The easing of age limits when it comes to the recruitment of Gardai should be used to ensure that there is a return to an adequate number of Gardai stationed in urban and rural parts of the north west.
Those were the comments of Councillor Mary Bohan who was reacting to the speculation that people up to the age of 50 would be recruited in order to address the recruitment and retention crisis within the force.
At the moment you cannot join over the age of 35.
The Fianna Fail Councillor says the decision to close many rural stations in favour of the smart model of policing has led to an increase in rural crime figures.
The Drumkeerin based councillor says something needs to be done to offer greater protection to towns and villages where Garda stations have been closed.
