asked the Minister for Justice when the new Garda stations for Clane and Droichead Nua, County Kildare will be ready for occupation.
14.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Stations.
13.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the Garda station in Newport, County Mayo consists of a disused CIE goods store; and that the building has been condemned by Mayo Health Authority; and when it is proposed to build a new station there.
15.
asked the Minister for Justice when it is proposed to build a new Garda station at Dungloe, County Donegal.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 14 and 15 together.
A new Garda station, with four Garda houses, is at present being built at Droichead Nua. It is expected that the station will be ready for occupation in August and the houses in November.
I am aware of the unsuitability of the Garda station at Newport and a site has been acquired for a new station. As regards future policing arrangements at Newport, and also at Clane and Dungloe, the position is, as stated in my reply to a Parliamentary Question on 30th May, that I am having an examination in depth made in relation to the distribution of the Force throughout the country. It has become apparent that the present distribution is uneven, having regard to population, incidence of crime and traffic problems.
I want to see the police distributed properly in relation to their primary duty of preventing and detecting crime. It is inevitable that in any redistribution of manpower some rural stations will be closed or reduced. Pending completion of the general examination, I cannot at this stage give a firm indication as to what the future arrangements will be at the centres mentioned by the Deputies.
Does the Minister seriously contemplate the closing of the Newport station? Has he that at the back of his mind?
What is at the back of my mind will be at the front of the Deputy's mind when I come to the House with these announcements.