Oireachtas Justice Committee Call For Further Investment In Rural Garda Stations

It's one of the recommendations in a new report from the Oireachtas Justice Committee on community policing and tackling rural crime.

Rural areas that lost one of the 139 Garda stations closed during the economic crash, should get more resources and have vacant positions filled.

It's one of the recommendations in a new report from the Oireachtas Justice Committee on community policing and tackling rural crime.

It says Gardai need more training and support to deal with people suffering from mental health problems.

One of 139 stations that closed nationwide was Donard here in Wicklow which reopened last week after a government review.

The report also recommends more patrols in rural areas, increased funding for text alert systems and better use of social media by Gardai to improve engagement with isolated communities.