Support sought for Broadford meeting

CLARE Chief Superintendent John Kerin will outline details of the proposed policing plan for the East Clare area to deal with the closure of Broadford Garda Station at a public meeting next Monday night.
It is expected that Superintendent Kerin will be accompanied by Inspector John O’Sullivan and other members of Clare gardaí at the meeting in Broadford Community Hall at 8pm.
This meeting, which has been organised by the local community alert group, will be preceded by an update on the plan of action to secure the re-opening of Broadford Post Office at 7.30pm.
Justice Minister Alan Shatter is planning to proceed with the closure of Broadford Garda Station as one of eight earmarked for closure this year, despite the expenditure of about €40,000 upgrading the building about two years ago.
Councillor Joe Cooney said €40,000 was spent on new equipment and floor covering as part of an internal refurbishment, as well as tarmac outside the building. He said it is important that people attend both meetings to address two critical issues affecting the local community.
In spite of representations made by Government Deputies Pat Breen, Joe Carey and Michael McNamara, Councillor Cooney has been informed that Minister Shatter will not be making any U-turn on the issue.
The Broadford Action Group, which is lobbying for the re-opening of the local post office, will also voice its concerns at this meeting if An Post management has not given a definite date for the return of services in the village.
Group chairman, PJ Mason plans to conduct another brief discussion with An Post officials later this week to ascertain when the post office will re-open.
Broadford Post Office closed its doors on Friday, November 10 and customers were advised to conduct their usual business at Tulla Post Office.
Mr Mason pledged the group will use the public meeting to discuss the postal issue if An Post hasn’t responded by then.
“It is important to have a large attendance at the public meeting next Monday night to show solidarity with the need for a post office in Broadford village, which has a very large catchment area,” he said.
He told The Clare Champion that An Post officials have acknowledged the great inconvenience the closure is causing for some people.
Deputy Pat Breen made a representation to An Post chief executive Donal Connell on November 27 last. In a recent letter to Deputy Breen, Mr Connell outlined that post office services ceased as a result of contractual issues arising in relation to the operation of the facility.
“The company is currently in the process of dealing with these issues with the contractor concerned and, as I trust you will appreciate, it would be inappropriate for the company to comment further while these matters are in process.
“However, you can rest assured it is our intention to deal with these matters as quickly as possible,” he stated.