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Garda Stations Closures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2012

Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Questions (71, 333)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

71. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the closure of Garda stations across the country in 2013; the location of the closures; the estimated savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55476/12]

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Denis Naughten

Question:

333. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures to be put in place in advance of any proposed closure of a rural Garda station; the specific provisions to be adopted to improve the Garda presence in a rural community following the closure of a Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55411/12]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 333 together.

The Commissioner's Policing Plan for 2013, which I laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 5th December 2012, sets out details of the closure of 100 Garda stations throughout the country, the future opening hours of other stations in Cork and Dublin and a number of District amalgamations. It is important to remember that while some Garda stations are listed for revised opening hours from 24 hour stations, they will remain as functioning Garda stations on a 24 hour basis. The full list of these details is available in the Policing Plan which is available in the Oireachtas Library.

While it is difficult to estimate precise savings arising from the closures, as these will vary from station to station, there will be some savings on utilities, maintenance and cost avoidance. The objective of the closures, however, is not minor savings but significant improvements in efficiency. The Commissioner has concluded that resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front-line if particular stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained or if the public opening hours of other stations could be reduced at off-peak times. In making that decision he has reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service to the community. Each Divisional Officer with responsibility for a Division that will be affected by this decision has been tasked with developing a comprehensive consultation strategy together with a tailored implementation plan that will meet the particular needs of their Division.

The intention will be that at all times optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The revised structures will continue to support the community policing philosophy of An Garda Síochána through the clustering of services at policing hubs. This centralisation of services will facilitate the introduction of an enhanced grid patrolling system that will be operational and intelligence led.  This patrol system will ensure that a high visibility and community oriented policing service continues to be delivered throughout the country.

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