Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
949. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána stations; the number of gardaí in each station in County Waterford at 31 March 2011 and 31 March 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34350/19]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, there has been an unprecedented level of investment in An Garda Síochána in recent years, in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. €1.76 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2019, as well as capital investment amounting to €92 million this year.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening of Garda stations and the allocation of personnel. As Minister, I have no direct role in such matters. I am informed however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 565 Garda stations in the State.
The Garda strength of the Waterford Division from 2009 to 31 May 2019, as provided by the Commissioner, is available on my Department’s website through the following link: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_31_May_2019_c.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_31_May_2019_c.xlsx
