Vol. 434 No. 2
189 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to requests for the upgrading of the Garda Station at Leixlip, County Kildare, including a new station, extra Gardaí, extra patrolling and longer station opening hours, in keeping with policing of towns of similar size and population throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a Garda sub-station was opened in Leixlip in February, 1991. This sub-station provides the full range of Garda services available at a Garda station. The sub-station's opening hours are from 12.30 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 7.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The Garda authorities have no proposals at present to alter these arrangements. Four Gardaí are currently assigned to full-time Community policing duties in Leixlip.
Following a recent meeting with Leixlip Neighbourhood Watch, public representatives and the town commissioners, Garda management are providing all necessary additional patrols in the Leixlip area from Lucan station and from the Divisional Task Force. This will ensure a more visible police presence during those periods when there is a likelihood of incidents of disorder or vandalism taking place especially late at night or in the early hours of the morning. Additional patrols will be provided if required and the position in that regard is being kept under constant review.
The Garda authorities are strongly of the view that a reduction in outdoor patrolling in Leixlip in favour of an improved office service would amount to a disimprovement in local policing arrangements.
