A Sligo TD said he will be asking the Justice Minister Michael McDowell to look into alleged poor working conditions in Sligo garda station when the Dail resumes later this month.

Sligo/Leitrim Fine Gael TD John Perry said that the Garda Representative Association claims of "low morale" at the station does not bode well for the force in Sligo. Mr Perry said he will be raising the alleged issues of;
 - No continuity in leadership;
 - Lack of proper communications facilities;
 - Badly designed workspace.

Mr Perry said there had been increasing demands on Sligo gardai in recent years. "The fact that reports abound about low morale does not bode well for the force in Sligo. It is near impossible to perform to peak standards with such a lack of consistency in leadership and the blame lies squarely with the Minister for Justice.

"There have been numerous issues raised in recent weeks regarding inadequate facilities in Sligo Garda Station. These problems are clearly not a reflection on the rank and file gardai who do a fantastic job in difficult circumstances.

"The problem lies with Justice Minister McDowell and the government's sluggish response to investing in garda stations." Deputy Perry said the Minister should start looking beyond Dublin as drugs and serious crime now affect all of the country. "And the lack of resources and poor design of the building on Pearse Road are also hampering Sligo gardai. I will be taking these matters up with the Minister," he vowed.

Mr Perry's call comes in the wake of an offer by Fianna Fail TD Jimmy Devins to visit Sligo garda station. Mr Devins said he was willing to meet with gardai in the station to discuss the situation.
Chief Supt Martin McLaughlin was not available for comment.