The five accused, who have pleaded not guilty to a total of 39 counts, are retired superintendent Eamon O'Neill; serving Sergeants Michelle Leahy and Anne-Marie Hassett; Garda Tom McGlinchey and Garda Colm Geary, all within the Limerick and Clare garda divisions.

The roll-out of temporary, pop-up Garda stations would ensure all communities have a strong visible Garda presence, according to a Fine Gael senator