asked the Minister for Justice what is the position regarding the building of a new Garda station at Kinnegad, County Westmeath.
60.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Stations.
57.
asked the Minister for Justice if Blackrock Garda station, County Louth, is being considered for closure and if he is aware of the necessity of keeping this station in operation in view of the importance of Blackrock as a tourist resort and the great numbers of people who visit there in the summertime.
61.
asked the Minister for Justice the present position with regard to the examination being carried out on the possible closure of Clogherhead Garda station, County Louth.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions 57, 60 and 61 together.
As I have indicated in replies to previous questions, I am awaiting the result of a review of the distribution of the force by the commissioner with the help of a research and planning unit. I regard the assessment of the police requirements in any area as a matter primarily for professional policemen who are the best judges of methods of prevention and detection of crime and of police needs in the various areas. In the course of this review the Garda authorities will take into account the views of responsible citizens in the localities concerned.
Pending completion of the review, I shall not be in a position to indicate what action is likely to be taken in relation to the building or closure of Garda stations in rural areas.