asked the Minister for Justice his future plans for the Garda Station at Shantonagh, Castleblayney, County Monaghan.
34.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Future of Garda Stations.
33.
andMr. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware of the anxiety in the Durrus, Bantry area of County Cork regarding his proposal to close Durrus Garda station; and, if so, if he will reconsider the question.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
I have no proposal from the commissioner in regard to the closing of either Shantonagh or Durrus Garda station. As part of the general review of the distribution of the force which is now in progress, future police arrangements in these localities will be examined by the research and planning unit of the Garda Síochána, but at this stage I can give no indication of the outcome.
Are we to assume that so far as Durrus is concerned this was a false alarm?
At this point in time it is a false alarm. The matter is under consideration.
Can we say to the people of Durrus that this is a false alarm?
You can say that it is premature to speculate regarding the future of the particular station pending the outcome of this investigation by the research and planning unit of the Garda Síochána.
Can we say without qualification to those people that this station is not being closed in the foreseeable future?
It is premature to speculate on the matter.
The Minister is hedging.
Question No. 35.