Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 May 1994

Vol. 443 No. 1

Written Answers. - Leixlip (Kildare) Garda Station.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

67 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice whether she has received representations requesting the provision of a full time Garda station in Leixlip, County Kildare, to ensure ready direct public access to Garda assistance when needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

I can confirm that I have received representations requesting the provision of a full time Garda station in Leixlip, County Kildare. I would also refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Questions No. 70 of 10 February 1994 and No. 189 of 6 October 1993 in the matter.

As the Deputy is aware a Garda substation was officially opened in Leixlip in 1991 and is open to the public 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 Saturday. There are no plans to change these arrangements, which ensure that the maximum number of gardaí are available for outdoor policing duties in Leixlip rather than being confined to administrative tasks at the sub-station.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Leixlip forms part of the Ballyfermot District and receives a 24 hour police service by the gardaí attached to Lucan Garda station. The Garda authorities have assigned a sergeant and two extra gardaí to the sole purpose of policing the Leixlip area with effect from 7 March 1994. This brings the overall number of gardaí allocated exclusively to community policing duties in Leixlip, to one sergeant and six gardaí. These members work on shifts between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. A Garda vanette is allocated to the area on a full time basis. The area is also policed by mobile patrols from within the District during the hours of most need, particularly late at night or early in the morning and at weekends.

The Garda authorities are satisfied that the present arrangements are adequate to meet the policing needs of the Leixlip area. However the question of providing additional staff and resources will be kept under review.