asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to replace a garda who retired on pension on 1 July 1987, from the station at Oola, County Limerick, population 1,100, as the station is now only supervised by a garda from Tipperary town during the day.
Written Answers. - Garda Stations Manning.
38.
The detailed policing arrangements for individual areas are a matter for the Garda authorities who have informed me that the Oola area is policed by a sergeant who is allocated full-time to the station there. Prior to 1 July, the strength at the centre was one Sergeant and one Garda. The area is also policed by regular mobile patrols from Tipperary and Thurles. When Oola station is closed, callers there may contact the district headquarters at Tipperary for assistance by means of the external radio-telephone, or "Green man" which can be used at any time of the day or night. The gardaí at the district headquarters are in radio contact with all foot and mobile patrols operating in the district so that the most appropriate unit can respond to calls for assistance from anywhere within the district.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, having regard to overall commitments and demands on Garda resources in the Tipperary Division, it is not at present possible to provide a replacement at Oola for the retired garda. The position, will, of course, be kept under review in the light of changing needs and circumstances.