As the Deputy will be aware, by law the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution and management of Garda resources and the Garda estate. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters, and cannot comment on them.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there were seven Garda Stations closed under the Station Rationalisation Programme in 2012 and 2013 in Tipperary Division. These are as follows:
- Dundrum
- New Inn
- Grangemockler
- Terryglass
- Rearcross
- Ballinderry
- Ballinure
I am further advised that five Garda Stations in Tipperary Division offer a manned 24/7 service (i.e. person on duty at public counter) and these are as follows:
- Cahir
- Clonmel
- Nenagh
- Thurles
- Tipperary Town
I am also advised that the following Garda Stations in Tipperary Division provide a 24/7 patrolling service but may not always have a person available for duty at the public counter:
- Roscrea
- Newport
- Templemore
- Cashel
- Carrick-on-Suir
The Deputy may also be interested to know that as of 31 October 2022, there are 396 Garda members assigned to the Tipperary Division. This is a just under 12% increase on the 354 Garda members assigned in December 2015.
These Garda members are supported by 84 Garda staff assigned to the Tipperary Division, which is a more than double the 32 Garda staff assigned there in 2015. This increases the availability of Garda members to concentrate on frontline policing duties in the district.
I can also inform the Deputy that as of 30 November there are 77 vehicles assigned to the Tipperary Division which is a just under 3% increase on the vehicles assigned in December 2020.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimal use.