Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
956 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the current status of Garda presence in Celbridge County Kildare; if gardaí are based in town after normal working hours; his plans to provide a Garda presence in the area during night time hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18050/12]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in this process. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored and reviewed where necessary, in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that on the 29 February, 2012 the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of Celbridge Garda station was 17. Celbridge forms part of the Leixlip District in the Kildare Division, which on the same date had a complement of 75 and 316 Garda respectively.
I have also been informed by the Garda Authorities that the opening hours of Celbridge Garda Station are Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m and 7 p.m - 9 p.m and Sunday 12 noon - 2p.m. Outside these hours, patrols are carried out by members attached to the District H.Q. in Leixlip.
957 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount being saved per annum from the closure of the Garda station in Rush, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18065/12]
View answer958 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality having regard to the proposed savings from the nearby Rush Garda Station, his plans to carry out the needed and agreed refurbishment works at Lusk Garda Station in County Dublin, which will have added responsibility to the Rush area in view of the aforementioned closure of the Rush station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18066/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 957 and 958 together.
The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote. In that context I have been informed by the Garda authorities that financial operating cost statements are maintained at District Headquarters level rather than at Garda station level. In the circumstances the Deputy will appreciate that the specific financial information he has sought is not readily available and I understand that the provision of such information would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources which are required for other purposes.
With regard to the closure of Rush Garda station I would stress that the key objective involved is to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources rather than to secure cash savings. In this context, the Commissioner has concluded that Garda resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front line if the station no longer had to be staffed and maintained.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that refurbishment work to facilitate the allocation of additional members to Lusk Garda station has been carried out by the Office of Public Works.
