I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 149 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the decision to close a number of Garda stations in 2013, including Stepaside Garda Station, was the result of a comprehensive operational assessment carried out by the Garda Commissioner, the objective of which was to ensure that Garda resources are used in the best and most efficient way possible. In particular, freeing up Gardaí from desk duties has increased the number of Gardaí available for frontline policing and confronting crime.
I have full confidence in An Garda Síochána's capacity to meet the policing needs of the community in the Stepaside area, as they do throughout the country, and as is reflected in the ongoing reduction in the overall level of crime. In this regard I am informed that a number of Garda initiatives are in place to provide crime prevention advice to members of the public and businesses in the area. Two Garda Clinics have been established to provide a positive point of contact between the Gardaí and the public and an additional Garda vehicle has been made available to Community Gardaí for patrolling the area. Other relevant developments include the establishment of Business Watch schemes in retail centres, the provision of information to elderly persons in cooperation with Age Action and ongoing engagement with the eight Neighbourhood Watch schemes which operate in the Stepaside/Glencullen area. I further understand that local Garda management has directed high visibility patrolling in the vicinity of Stepaside Village and there has been no diminution in official vehicles in the combined Dundrum and former Stepaside Sub-District.
Local Garda Management closely monitors the deployment of resources, patrols and operational strategies in place for the area concerned, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the community to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation is being kept under review and paramount consideration is given to the needs of residents. Garda Management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the communities in the area and that current structures in place meet the requirements of the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service.
In the circumstances, I am satisfied that the closure of Stepaside Garda Station has not had an adverse effect on the crime rate in the area. In this context, I have asked the Central Statistics Office (CSO), an independent body with statutory responsibility for the compilation of crime statistics, to provide the relevant statistics directly to the Deputy.
