Twenty-nine garda stations across the country were officially closed today.
The decision to close the stations follows cost saving plans announced by Justice Minister Alan Shatter in last December's Budget.
The Department of Justice expects the closures will amount to a saving of €79m.
The Garda Representative Association has consistently opposed the move, claiming the station closures would “change the DNA of policing in Ireland.
Today, Age Action Ireland also expressed concerns over the closures, saying a growing sense of isolation and fear among the elderly will be added to, especially in rural areas.
Community leaders in Clochan, Co Kerry, say the loss of their local garda barracks is a huge blow to the small community, having already lost a secondary school, parish priest and post office.
