Senior Gardaí in Clare insist there will be a more visible Garda presence in East and North Clare, despite the reduction in opening hours at Killaloe and Ennistymon Garda Stations.
Both stations are closed to the pubilc this lunchtime in changes which take effect from today
As of today, Killaloe and Ennistymon Garda Stations will be open from 10 o'clock until 1 o'clock each day, and again from five until eight each weekday evening.
People who phone these stations outside of these times will have their calls diverted to Ennis or to Kilrush.
Chief Superintendent John Kerin has told Clare Fm that outside of these times, the changes will result in an extra Garda being on patrol.
Today, Clare's Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Joe Downey said the changes will see individual Gardai being used in an efficient way.
Concern has been expressed in both areas at the potential impact of the changes.
Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien has worries, but hopes it's a positive move.
While on long-serving Councillor in the West Clare electoral area, Christy Curtin, feels the changes are another sign that the government needs to provide funding for more Gardaí.
