Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013
505. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a Garda station (details supplied) in County Donegal is closed despite the fact that the station has not been listed for closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40993/13]
View answer506. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to re-open a Garda station (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40994/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 506 together.
The Deputy will be aware that 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.
Ramelton Garda station was not identified for closure in those plans and currently there are no proposals being prepared to close Ramelton Garda station. I have however been informed by the Garda Commissioner that circumstances of a temporary nature have necessitated augmenting the policing service provided to Ramelton with personnel from nearby stations. Arrangements have been made to have the station opened to the public periodically and the opening hours are posted at the station for the information of the public. I have been further informed by the Garda Commissioner that the public in Ramelton are advised via signs at the station to contact Milford in the event that a Garda Service is required, and phone callers to the station are automatically diverted to Milford Garda Station. A comprehensive policing service for Ramelton is provided from the nearby District Headquarters in Milford on a 24 hour basis. This service is supplemented by staff from the nearby sub-station in Rathmullen in addition to the resources available from the Divisional Traffic & Detective Units.
