Michael Ring
Question:633 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the new Garda station in Ballinrobe, County Mayo, will be open longer for the general public. [11722/03]
Written Answers. - Garda Stations.
Michael Ring
Question:634 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the new Garda station will open in Ballinrobe, County Mayo; and the existing hours of the Garda station in Ballinrobe. [11723/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 633 and 634 together.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the new Garda station in Ballinrobe, County Mayo, opened on 11 April 2003. The opening hours of Ballinrobe Garda station are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Saturday inclusive and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. I am also informed that local Garda management is satisfied that the current opening hours of Ballinrobe Garda station are adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area. Accordingly, there are currently no plans to alter these opening hours. The extension of the current opening hours at Ballinrobe Garda station to 24 hours would necessitate the employment of Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties. Such personnel can be utilised more effectively in providing a visible Garda presence on outdoor policing duties.