Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Bernard Allen

Question:

130 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consideration, if any, he will give to the situation whereby the Garda station at Glanmire and Riverstown, County Cork, is only open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday and closes at 2 p.m. on Saturday; if he will make a decision enabling the station to open on a seven-day week 24-hour basis; and if he will review the catchment area situation to include Glanmire and Riverstown Station in the greater Cork area in view of the fact that it is currently in the Cobh jurisdiction. [15979/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The detailed deployment of Garda personnel to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that Glanmire Garda station is situated on the outskirts of Cork city and is one of six Garda stations forming part of Cobh Garda Distict.

I am also informed that the current Garda personnel strength at Glanmire Garda station (as of 31 August 1997 is 15 members (all ranks). The station is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Sundays. There are two patrol units assigned to Glanmire station and these are utilised in patrolling the Glanmire area. The Garda authorities report that, in addition to these two patrol units, the district patrol car based at Cobh patrols the Glanmire area as required. They point out that generally resources at Glanmire, Watergrasshill, Glenville and Carrignavar stations are combined for the purpose of patrolling all four areas. These areas form the northern part of Cobh Garda District.

The Garda authorities have informed me that the local divisional officer is satisfied that the policing arrangements in place for Glanmire are adequate and there are no plans at present to have Glanmire Garda station open on a 24-hour basis. However, they have assured me that policing pertaining to Glanmire will continue to be monitored and reviewed and changes made as necessary.