No night time closure for Kells Garda Station

Fears that Kells Garda Station would close at night were allayed this week following confirmation from An Garda Siochana that there are currently no plans for such a move.

In correspondence to Deputy Darren O'Rourke a Garda spokesperson said there were no current plans for the closure and there are currently “two 24-hour Garda stations serving Meath North Community Engagement Area, Navan and Kells Garda Stations.”

The news came amid fears in Kells that the station was to close overnight, leading to two local councillors seeking a meeting with the local Superintendent to discuss the issue.

Deputy O’Rourke said if it were to happen “there would be consternation and outright opposition to such a proposal in Kells, and rightly so. It's something we're keeping a close eye on.”

Local councillors had warned the move would have serious ramifications for the people of North Meath and vowed to resist it in the strongest possible terms.

In a joint statement Cllrs Sarah Reilly (FG) and Sean Drew (FF) said: “We have requested an urgent meeting with the Superintendent to seek immediate clarification on these reports. The proposed closure of Kells Garda Station at night would have serious ramifications for the people of North Meath. The station plays an integral role in ensuring public safety and providing a visible Garda presence in the community. Any move to downgrade or restrict its operations must be resisted in the strongest possible way.”

Both councillors emphasised that maintaining adequate policing resources in rural Meath is not only a matter of community confidence but of public safety.

Cllr David Gilroy (Ind) said if Kells Garda Station closed at night, it would have a huge impact on how people feel about policing in the area.

He pointed out that there is an extremely limited presence in Athboy and it was possible the same could happen in Kells.

“Resources are a huge issue. The gardai are massively stretched,” he said.

Cllr Peter Caffrey (SF) said the change would have the community more exposed and “undermines the sense of safety that residents rely on.”

“Kells Garda Station is an important asset in Meath, and it should be a channel for enhanced services, not a reduction.

“We should be seeing Garda services expanded and strengthened in rural towns, where stations often operate with limited hours if they open at all. The idea of taking services away runs counter to the needs of rural communities who rely on visible, accessible policing.”