The leader of Fianna Fáil says the policy of closing certain garda stations has been misdirected.
He said people are living in fear in certain areas and it is time for a re-think on policing policy.
Micheal Martin made his remarks at Stepaside garda station in Dublin.
He said where gardaí are absent, there is no deterrent to stop burglars.
With just eight days left for politicians to canvas ahead of Election 2016, today's buzz words are USC, the economy and abortion.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin is dividing his time today between the Dundrum Centre in Dublin and Co Wexford, where the party is hoping to retain the seat recently vacated by John Browne.
Fine Gael will unveil plans to abolish the Universal Social Charge and how that will give consumers more money to spend.
Sinn Féin's finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty meanwhile will publish proposals for developing the economy and achieving consistent growth.
Labour will publish proposals to put a referendum to the people to address the abortion controversy.