Middle ranking Gardai say the force has been damaged by the decision to close rural Garda stations.

The Association of Garda Sergents and Inspectors says many rural communitites have been left with no garda presence.

The group which is holding it annual conference in Co Mayo today, will hear from the Garda commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan later today.

President-elect of the AGSI - Antoinette Cunningham says station closures remain a major problem for the association:

Members are also threatening to march on the Dail in uniform in protest at low pay in the force.

Nine out of ten mid ranking Gardai want the AGSI to engage in a work to rule in support of their pay restoration claims.

Pay is the number one issue for 84 percent of garda sergeants and inspectors.

John Jacob is the General Seretary of AGSI