asked the Minister for Justice if it is proposed to erect a new Garda Station at Burtonport, County Donegal; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Garda Stations.
130.
I am informed by the Commissioners of Public Works that a contract for the construction of a new Garda Station at Burtonport, Donegal, is expected to be placed in the summer of this year.
131.
asked the Minister for Justice when it is proposed to build the Garda station in Ballivor, County Meath.
Ballivor is one of the Garda stations listed for early replacement. Plans for the new station are in course of preparation and the Commissioners of Public Works have informed me that they expect to be in a position to invite tenders by the end of this Summer.
132.
asked the Minister for Justice if any arrangements have been made for the provision of a Garda Síochána station in Ballyfermot; and, if not, if he will have the matter considered as soon as convenient.
The erection of a station at Ballyfermot is not contemplated.
The Commissioner, Garda Síochána, has informed me that the present policing arrangements provide for adequate and effective supervision of this area and that a new station is not necessary.
I wonder is the Minister aware that residents and constituents in Ballyfermot have asked for a station there for safety purposes?
Of course, it is not the situation of the station which is the important factor; it is the adequate policing arrangements. Ballyfermot is policed from Chapelizod station. The strength of the station has been increased on a number of occasions recently to cater for Ballyfermot. There are six sergeants and 29 Gardaí as distinct from two sergeants and 12 Gardaí in 1953, so that the Deputy will understand there was a very considerable strengthening of the station in that period. In addition to the ordinary beat patrols in the area, supervision is carried out by motorcycle patrols and the crime control car at Kilmainham which operates a 24-hour service in the Kilmainham-Chapelizod area. However, if the Deputy thinks the area is still not being properly policed, I shall ask the Commissioner to make another examination of the position.
I would be grateful for that. If the people in the area had an extension, they would feel safer.
It is peculiar that in an area of that size 35 Gardaí plus the others, are not sufficient.