Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2012
410 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the situation regarding the future of a Garda division (details supplied); if the recent retirements will impact on this district or if a restructuring of this district is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12762/12]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner, under Section 22 of the Garda Síochána Acts 2005-2007, prepares a policing plan for the forthcoming year which must be submitted to me for approval. Any plans which the Commissioner has in relation to such matters as the closure of Garda Stations or alterations to Divisional or District boundaries must be detailed in that annual policing plan.
As the Deputy is aware, the 2012 policing plan provides for the closure of 31 Garda stations throughout the country, the formal closure of a further eight non-operational stations and the re-alignment of a small number of Districts in Laois and Meath. The stations/areas referred to by the Deputy are not listed in the 2012 Policing Plan. Any further closures of Garda Stations or realignment of Divisions must therefore be detailed in the policing plans for 2013 or subsequent years.
