It seems as many as 80 garda stations nationwide are set to be shut down before the end of the year.

In many places where stations are boarded up, gardai will open occasional clinics in the likes of parish halls instead.

The closures are likely to cause anxiety in the areas affected across the State and are all part of proposals that are being drawn up for major reform of Ireland’s policing policy

The proposals were outlined by senior garda officers at a two day conference in Templemore that concluded yesterday and today’s Irish Independent is reporting that the final figure of garda stations closures will be at least double the number of barracks closed in the past year. 39 stations were closed last year and an additional 80 look set to go by the end of 2012.

The decision comes as the garda authorities put the final touches to a new policing model aimed at making full use of reduced resources.

The garda stations will be replaced by "clinics" manned by a garda for a couple of hours, two days a week.

The garda will use the clinic to sort out personal problems for residents, who need application forms for passports or driving licences signed, and other minor administrative duties.

The closed stations will be handed back to the Office of Public Works and, as a temporary measure, could be used for clinics while their future is being determined.

A key part of the new policing model will be the utilisation of the 170 new patrol vehicles, which are being purchased with additional funding provided by the Government and are due to be sent out on the streets early in the new year.

The conference was told the aim is to produce a policing service that is all about people and how they served the community rather than about buildings.

The list of stations for proposed closure have not yet been revealed. The list is expected to be submitted by Commissioner Martin Callinan to Minister Shatter by the end of next month and he will then bring it to the cabinet for approval.