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Garda Stations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Questions (1237)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

1237. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider the provision of a new Garda station for the Castletroy, Annacotty, area of Limerick city (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14601/21]

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Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and the deployment of resources.  As Minister, I have no role in these decisions.  I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. 

The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is based on agreed Garda priorities and benefits over 30 locations around the country, underpinned by significant Exchequer funding across the Garda and OPW Votes.  The objective of this investment is to address deficiencies in the Garda estate and provide fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff as well as the public.

I am informed that the current Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme does not include the development of a new Garda station in Annacotty, Co. Limerick. 

An Garda Síochána will give consideration to the need for new Garda Stations, in Annacotty and for other locations, in the context of the overall accommodation requirements arising from the ongoing expansion of the Garda workforce, the policing reform plan A Policing Service For Our Future, and the implementation of the new Garda operating model which will inform the overall accommodation priorities of An Garda Síochána over the years 2022-2026.

The Deputy may wish to note that there has been a significant increase in Garda resources in Limerick in recent years.  I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of the end of February 2021, the latest date for which figures are available, a total of 599 Garda members were assigned to the Limerick Division, in addition to 79 Garda staff.  By contrast, in December 2015 there were a total of 554 Garda members and 51 Garda staff in the Division.  These figures represent increases of 8% and almost 55% respectively.

A detailed breakdown of Garda numbers by Division, District and Station is available on my Department’s website, in the interests of transparency and for the convenience of Deputies and the wider public.  This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána.  The Information on Garda members requested may be accessed at the following link: 

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce

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