Ann Phelan
Question:486. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the exact cost savings that are to be achieved by the closure of Garda Stations around the country (details supplied). [2503/13]
View answerTuesday, 22 January 2013
Questions (486, 492)
Ann Phelan
Question:492. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the future model for the policing of rural Ireland when many Garda stations are to be closed; his policy when gardaí will have to patrol bigger areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2524/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 486 and 492 together.
The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the average financial saving estimated to arise in respect of the closure of the stations designated for closure in the Garda Policing Plan for 2013 is Euro 4,000 per station. To a large extent this estimate relates to heating and lighting costs and it does not take account of specific repair bills, which will vary from premises to premises.
As the Deputy will be aware, the closure of the stations has been proposed by the Garda Commissioner in his Policing Plan for 2013 and I would stress that the key objective involved is to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources rather than to secure modest cash savings. In this context the Commissioner has concluded in relation to certain stations that Garda resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front line if the stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained. In making his recommendations on the closure of Garda stations, the Commissioner reviewed all aspects of An Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the overall operation of Garda stations. In addition, the Commissioner has given a commitment that where a station is to be closed local Garda management will consult with local communities on the alternative policing arrangements to be put in place in their area.
Furthermore, the Garda Commissioner has indicated he is confident that the implementation of the restructuring proposals contained in the 2013 Policing Plan will not lead to any diminution in the service provided by An Garda Síochána. In that regard he has stated that the revised structures will continue to support the Garda community philosophy through the clustering of services at policing hubs. This centralisation of services will facilitate the introduction of enhanced patrolling arrangements which, in turn, will provide increased Garda visibility as well as maintaining existing Garda links with communities throughout the country.