Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

£900,000 Purchase of PSNI mobile ranges which are immobile "astounding" - Sheridan

Published: 13 October, 2008

Sinn Féin Councillor and Mayor of Armagh City and District, Noel Sheridan has said members of the public would be astounded that the PSNI spent nearly £1million on mobile firing ranges which "do not fit" into PSNI stations and are static. Mr Sheridan was speaking after getting the Policing Board to carry out research into the purchase of 3 mobile firing ranges in 2002.

Mr Sheridan said:

"Whoever was involved in the purchase of these firing ranges should have enquired as to the dimensions of these ranges before purchasing. The ranges do not fit into many PSNI stations and that is why they remain static.

"There is an onus on the PSNI, as there is on every public body, to be prudent with taxpayers' money. Members of the public will be astounded at the fact that nearly £1million has been spent on mobile firing ranges which are not mobile.

"Taxpayers' money has been squandered and at a time when budgets and spending are having to be tightened that is totally unacceptable."