asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the fact that the population in the Greystones/ Delgany/Kilcoole district of County Wicklow exceeds 15,000 persons, he will authorise a 24-hour Garda station service in Greystones; and if he will make a statement on the augmentation of a Garda presence in the area.
Written Answers. - Greystones, County Wicklow, Garda Service.
1024.
The opening hours of Greystones Garda station, which serves the Greystones/Delgany/Kilcoole district, are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1.45 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. I am informed by the Garda authorities that these opening hours have been so fixed as to enable the station party to carry out the maximum amount of outdoor Garda duties, while maintaining a reasonably adequate office service. The Garda authorities consider that an extension of the opening hours would not be feasible at present having regard to the current strength of the station party but the matter is being kept under review. There are of course arrangements for providing a Garda service in the area from the district headquarters at Bray when the station is closed.
The Garda authorities state that the current strength at Greystones station is the maximum that can be provided at present having regard to overall resources and other demands on Garda services. However, a substantial number of extra gardaí are being recruited this year and the police needs of the area served from Greystones will be taken into account when the additional manpower is available for assignment to the various centres.