Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
626. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Justice her plans for expanding the current Garda station or providing a new Garda station in east County Meath given the large increase in population of the area in recent times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23797/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. 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.
Further, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are therefore progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
The development of a new Garda Station, or the redevelopment of any of the existing Garda Stations in east Meath, will be considered in the context of the overall accommodation requirements arising from the ongoing expansion of the Garda workforce, A Policing Service for our Future – the Government’s Plan to implement the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, and the implementation of the new Garda Operating Model, which will inform the accommodation priorities of An Garda Síochána over the years 2022-2030.
