asked the Minister for Justice if he has any plans to reopen Garda stations in rural areas; and if he has any plans to alter the present system by which stations are manned, and towns and the countryside patrolled.
Written Answers. - Garda Operations.
19.
A number of small rural Garda stations were closed as a matter of policy in the decade 1960 to 1970 but this policy ended in 1971. There are no proposals at present to reopen any of the stations which closed at that time. Apart from the capital costs involved, the establishment of new stations tends to absorb Garda manpower which, according to the Garda authorities, can be used more effectively on outdoor operational duties.
In so far as the system of patrolling is concerned, the Deputy is probably aware that there is a pilot rural policing scheme in operation in the Claremorris and Thomastown Garda Districts. As indicated in the reply to Question No. 91 on 6 December 1988, the operation of this scheme and the policing arrangements for rural areas in general are under review with a view to ensuring that all Garda resources are deployed to the best advantage of the public.