The Policing Plan for 2013, which I laid before the House yesterday, outlines the Commissioner's proposal for the consolidation of the Garda station and District network. As part of this process in 2013, 100 Garda Stations will be closed in both rural and urban areas and includes the stations in Ballytore and Ballymore Eustace. The Policing Plan also sets out the changes in station opening hours and the amalgamation of 28 Garda Districts to 14 enlarged Garda Districts. These changes will enable An Garda Síochána to make best use of resources to deliver the optimum policing service to all communities.
I must stress that the principal aim of this process is to allow the more efficient deployment of personnel and the more effective delivery of policing services to the public across the country, including in the areas referred to by the Deputy. It is also the case that, even after the proposed closures, we will still have a very high number of police stations by comparable international standards. The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced a significant investment in Garda transport, amounting to €3 million, which will provide for an additional 170 Garda vehicles. These vehicles will be commissioned in the coming weeks. In addition, a further provision of €5m will be made available for the purchase and fit-out of Garda vehicles in 2013. I am confident that this package of funding will considerably strengthen the overall effectiveness of the Force in delivering a policing service to all communities throughout the country.
