Criticism in Dáil over location of Garda division HQ

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The Department of Justice has been accused of treating the people of Co Tipperary with disrespect.

The charge was made by Tipperary Labour TD Alan Kelly who had been scheduled to put a question to Minister Charlie Flanagan in the Dáil on the matter of the relocation of the Tipperary Garda Divisional Headquarters.

Deputy Kelly pointed out that the minister failed to show up to take the question, while the Junior Minister at the department chose to wait outside the Dail chambers before speaking on another piece of legislation.

Meanwhile, TD Mattie McGrath told Minister Flanagan in the Dáil today of claims such as those expressed by the Garda Representative Association, that there was no local consultation on the restructuring process.

The Minister refuted his claims, saying that it has been long-recommended by various policing agencies. The Minister also gave his support to the new operating model.

Deputy McGrath told Minster Flanagan of concerns locally that the lion’s share of resources will go to the new headquarters.

He called the decision to move the divisional head quarters from Thurles to Ennis as a ‘travesty of justice’ for Tipperary.