asked the Minister for Justice if it is proposed to reduce the strength of Garda personnel in Ferns, County Wexford.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Garda Strength.
51.
The commissioner has informed me that, following a review of the position by the research and planning unit of the Garda Síochána, the strength of the station party at Ferns was reduced by one garda on 14th October, 1970. The commissioner is satisfied that the new strength of one sergeant and one garda is sufficient for the polic needs of the area. There are no proposals for any further reductions.
Is not the Minister aware that the Garda barracks at Camolin was closed a few years ago so that, in addition to covering Ballyduff, Ferns is also covering the Camolin area? In those circumstances, does the Minister consider it judicious to close down or to reduce the personnel of Ferns station?
There is no question of closing Ferns station. The personnel was reduced by one.
Can the Minister say how many gardaí are stationed at Ferns and what is the number being reduced to? Is it being reduced to one?
There was a sergeant and two gardaí stationed there and there is now a sergeant and one garda.
Would the Minister agree to have this matter re-examined because the matter is one of some urgency?
Would the Minister say whether this policy of reducing the number of gardaí at a particular station is the first move, as in the case of vocational schools, to kill the station?
No, it is not.
Certainly that is the case in Lusk and the people there are offended by this.