Vol. 509 No. 3
138 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to close Knock Garda station; and, in the event of the station being retained, if it will retain its existing status and Garda complement of one sergeant and three gardaí. [20240/99]
I wish to stress that there are no plans to close Knock Garda station. I am on record as stating that no Garda station will close during my tenure as Minister and that this Government has not been associated with and has no agenda in relation to the closure of Garda stations.
The station in Knock is in the Claremorris Garda district. The rural community policing scheme has been in operation throughout the district generally since the scheme was first piloted in 1982. I am informed by the Garda authorities that Knock is now being included for operational and administrative reasons.
The rural community policing scheme is aimed at providing a better service to the community by allowing the gardaí spend more time on active operational duties in their districts, including in particular visits to the elderly, while at the same time providing for station opening hours which actually suit local community needs.
The detailed deployment of Garda personnel to individual areas is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current personnel strength at Knock Garda station is one sergeant and three gardaí and that this level of manpower is being maintained.
