asked the Minister for Justice when it is intended to build a new Garda station at Santry, County Dublin; and, if there is likely to be a significant delay in building it, he will provide some badly needed additional facilities in the interim.
Written Answers. - New Garda Stations.
296.
Limerick East): sPlanning for the provision of a new Garda station at Santry is at an advanced stage but it is not possible at this juncture to say when building will commence.
With regard to facilities at the existing station, a new cooker was supplied recently and arrangements are being made to provide the necessary furniture and equipment for the drying and recreation rooms. The decoration of the station is a matter for the Office of Public Works but I understand that Santry is scheduled for external redecoration towards the end of this year.
297.
asked the Minister for Justice the present position regarding the provision of a Garda station at Leixlip, County Kildare.
Limerick East): The Leixlip area is one of a number of areas in and around Dublin where there is a local demand for a new Garda station. The difficulty about providing extra Garda stations, apart from difficulties associated with getting suitable sites and the high building costs involved, is that manning them absorbs Garda manpower which might possibly be used more effectively on patrol duty in the area.
A study team consisting of representatives of the Garda Síochána and the Department of the Public Service, which carried out a detailed examination of how the most effective Garda service can be provided for all developing areas in Dublin city and county, has recommended changes in the boundaries of a number of the sub-districts in the Dublin metropolitan area, including the Lucan sub-district which serves the Leixlip area. The study team's recommendations, which are aimed at improving the Garda service in the areas concerned, are under consideration at present.
In the meantime, the strength assigned to Lucan station has been increased by 8 members over the strength serving on 30 September, 1982 and it is considered that this increased manpower will enable a better Garda presence to be provided over the whole area served from the station.