When I approved the Garda Commissioner's proposal to transfer the divisional headquarters from Dundalk to Drogheda it became necessary to make alterations to the plans for the new station at Drogheda and I am satisfied that the building now under construction can accommodate the staff and functions of a divisional headquarters. I expect that building work will be completed later this year at which stage the transfer of the divisional headquarters from Dundalk to Drogheda will take place.
The deployment of manpower and resources to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They inform me that the relocation of the divisional headquarters to Drogheda will involve the transfer of one chief superintendent, three other members and two clerical assistants. I am also advised by the Garda authorities that they have no plans at present to move the in-service training school from Dundalk to Drogheda.
With regard to the collator's office in Dundalk, the Garda authorities have indicated that there may be a need for some reorganisation of the collator's functions within the Louth-Meath division. However, they are unable to say at this stage if this function will remain in Dundalk.
