Changes to the opening hours of Cabra Garda Station were announced last November in the 2012 Policing Plan submitted by the Commissioner and lodged by me in both Houses of the Oireachtas. It is important to remember that while the Garda station in question has reduced opening hours to the public, it remains as a functioning Garda station on a 24-hour basis. It is also important to note that the closure of the public counter, at night time, in this and other stations, has freed up Gardai for operational duty in the areas concerned.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of all resources, including personnel and transport, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level. The objective is to provide the most effective policing service possible, within available resources, across the country, including in the area referred to by the Deputy.
