The Justice Minister is warning that further Garda stations will face closure next year – as four Mayo garda stations fell victim to Budget cuts this year.

Speaking at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors conference in Co Wexford – Minister Alan Shatter said he doesn't believe 703 stations are needed in such a small country.

29 Garda stations closed last Friday – including Mulranny, Bellacorrick, Glenisland and Tourmakeady in Mayo, and Cootehall in Co Roscommon.

Minister Shatter says the number of stations and locations which will be affected next year have yet to be identified.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health has confirmed that a number of unused Garda stations may be converted into primary care centres over the next number of years.

Minister of State for Health Róisín Shortall said yesterday that not only Garda stations but “any empty building” owned by the State would be looked at with a view to converting them into primary care centres.

Primary care centres would be one-stop-shops in the community, with such services as GP, nurse, physiotherapist, chiropodist and psychotherapist in one location.