Vol. 442 No. 1
24 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the consultations, if any, which took place prior to her announcement on 7 March 1994, that the Salthill Garda Station, County Galway, was to be upgraded to a district headquarters with the consequential downgrading of the district headquarters in Oughterard, County Galway.
38 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice when it was decided to upgrade Salthill Garda Station, County Galway, to a district headquarters and to downgrade the current district headquarters in Oughterard, County Galway.
45 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if the plans for the restructuring of Salthill Garda Station, County Galway envisage its upgrading to district headquarters level.
77 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has to change the status of the Garda Barracks in Oughterard, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Oral Questions Nos. 24, 38 and 45 and Written Question No. 77 together.
On the basis of my own detailed knowledge of the particular area in question, I came to the conclusion that there was a need for a redistribution and changes in the stationing of Garda resources in the Salthill region. Among the factors which I considered were the increase in the population of Salthill in recent years to a figure of 16,000 people. Because of its popularity as a seaside resort, its population increases to about 24,000 for the summer months. In addition, crime figures for the area — including the incidence of drug abuse — have been on the increase.
Accordingly, under the powers conferred on me by section 6 (1) of the Garda Síochána Act, 1924, I directed the Garda Commissioner that a redistribution of resources should be brought about. This involved, as one element, the upgrading of the Salthill sub-District to a District Headquarters status.
The Commissioner has just forwarded his proposals to me to give effect to my direction. I have accepted those proposals and the necessary changes will come into effect as and from 16 May 1994. I have also agreed with the Commissioner's proposal to review the operation of the new Districts of Salthill and Galway (Mill Street) early in 1995.
