Cathal BarryA well-known priest has described as an “appalling stupidity” the closure of rural garda stations, claiming that the decision has led to a rise in crime in isolated parts of the country.
Fr Micheál MacGréil also warned that the improved network of motorways in Ireland has been a contributing factor to the rise in rural crime.
“The whole policing system has to be questioned,” he said.
“We are entering a world that is virtual. The world of crime is not virtual. The world of crime is real, yet we are policing with a virtual approach.”
‘Big problem’
Fr MacGréil, who is based in Co. Mayo, also claimed that motorways are a “big problem”.
“There is no rural Ireland left. In a way, rural Ireland has become an extension of urban Ireland now due to access.
“The motorway brings urban Ireland here in three hours. All burglars have to do is get onto the motorway and they’re gone,” he said.