asked the Minister for Justice whether he has received representations from the people of Rockcorry, County Monaghan, requesting him to retain the Garda station in Rockcorry; and whether he is prepared to accede to these representations in view of the fact that there are several licensed premises and a dance hall in this area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan Garda Station.
15.
As stated in my reply to a Parliamentary Question on 30th May, an examination in depth is being carried out in relation to the distribution of the Force throughout the country. It has become apparent that the present distribution is uneven, having regard to population, incidence of crime and traffic problems.
I want to see the police distributed properly in relation to their primary duty of preventing and detecting crime.
It is inevitable that in any redistribution of manpower some rural stations will be closed or reduced. I cannot say at this stage what stations (if any) in particular counties will be affected.
Some representations have been received in relation to Rockcorry and they will be given full consideration in addition to the facts stated by the Deputy.
I take it that no decision has been made in respect of the closing of the station and that the matters laid before the Minister will be given careful consideration before any decision is reached?
Precisely: that is the position.