Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

569 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will upgrade Maynooth Garda station to a district headquarters thus providing 24 hour cover in at least one of the main towns in north Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11654/02]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources to individual areas, that the current strength (all ranks) at Maynooth Garda station as at 12 April 2002 is 14. Resources are augmented from within the division as required. Maynooth Garda station is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. between Monday and Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. When not open, PACB and call diversion systems are in operation and linked to the district headquarters at Naas Garda station. Messages are relayed to the patrol car at Maynooth, which is manned on a 24 hour basis.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there are no plans to designate Maynooth Garda station as a district headquarters. As regards 24 hour cover, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the extension of the current opening to 24 hours would necessitate the employment of Garda personnel on indoors administrative duties who can be utilised more effectively in providing a visible Garda presence on outdoor policing duties. Local Garda management is satisfied that the arrangements currently in place at Maynooth are adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area. However, the situation will be kept under review and when additional manpower next becomes available the needs of Maynooth will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.

Question No. 570 answered with Question No. 539.