asked the Minister for Justice if a decision has been taken to close the Garda station in Castlemartyr, County Cork; and, if so, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Garda Station.
14.
As a result of a general review of the organisation of the force, that is still proceeding, the Commissioner has advised that, without loss of police efficiency, better use could be made of the man-power at his disposal by the closing or reduction of a number of stations. Castlemartyr was one of these centres and arrangements have been made to close the station on 22nd June 1970.
The Commissioner has advised me that the area will be effectively supervised from the surrounding stations at Midleton, Killeagh, Cloyne, Ballycotton and Youghal.
Is the Minister not aware that this Garda station caters for a large number of people over an extensive area? Is he not also aware that the three local industries which employ hundreds of people are very perturbed about not being afforded adequate Garda protection?
I cannot accept what the Deputy says. The area will be divided between adjoining Garda stations at Midleton, Killeagh, Cloyne, Ballycotton and Youghal, and they are all between 3½ and eight miles from Castlemartyr. The crime rate in the Castlemartyr sub-district is very low. In fact, in the last 12 months for which figures are available there were only three indictable crimes and seven traffic accidents. I am quite satisfied, as is the Commissioner, that the area can be effectively policed from the five adjoining stations I mentioned.
Could the Minister specify how the area will be adequately supervised by the gardaí in the surrounding areas? Is the Minister aware that there is only one squad car in Midleton? There are no squad cars at any of the other barracks he mentioned.
There are five stations between three and eight miles from Castlemartyr and I have no doubt that the area can be effectively policed.
Would the Minister like to tell us——
The Deputy may not put so many supplementaries.
This is a matter of grave concern.
There are 108 matters of grave concern on the Order Paper.
This is important to these people. Would the Minister like to tell us how the gardaí from the surrounding areas will be able to supervise the Castlemartyr district?
They will do it in the same effective manner as they have done it in dozens of other areas where Garda stations have been closed in recent years.
How is that?
By the use of modern equipment, cars, motor cycles, radio, patrol.
They are not there.
When will the Minister publish the list of the stations it is proposed to close down?
That is a separate question. The question relates to a station in County Cork.