Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 4

Written Answers. - Kildare Rural Policing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

133 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the implications of the rural policing programme for County Kildare; whether any new Garda stations are likely to be opened in this context; if so, the location of same; if the closure of any stations is proposed in the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

To date, the new community policing scheme has been introduced in only two Garda sub-districts in County Kildare — Ballymore Eustace and Ballytore. For the purpose of implementing the scheme, Ballytore sub-district was transferred from the Kildare to the Baltinglass Garda district to form part of a new area administrative structure with headquarters at Baltinglass. Ballymore Eustace Garda sub-district is included in a new area with headquarters at Blessington.

Under the scheme both Ballymore Eustace and Ballytore stations now have guaranteed opening hours, improved co-operation with other stations in their respective administrative areas and gardaí attached to both stations have more time for outdoor duty in the community. There has been no reduction in Garda strength at these stations and the local gardaí continue to operate from their stations.

There are no plans at present to extend the community policing scheme to the Naas and Kildare Garda districts which cover most of County Kildare. Accordingly it is not possible to say at this time what precise organisational and other implications would be involved in the extension of the community policing scheme to the county as a whole. The general aim of any extension of this excellent scheme would be to provide the kind of benefits which have already been provided in the areas to which it now applies; these include the allocation of additional personnel and resources, the introduction of guaranteed station opening hours and a reduction in indoor clerical duties in favour of increased outdoor operational duties. No Garda station will be closed under the scheme.

There are no proposals at present to provide an additional station in County Kildare.