andMr. Creed asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the unsatisfactory position which obtains in Charleville town and district, County Cork, in connection with the closing of the local Garda station from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m.; and what action he proposes to take to improve the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Garda Station.
32.
The present opening hours of Charleville garda station, which have been in operation since January, 1967, were designed to provide for more efficient policing of the area. The reduced opening hours were fixed to enable the station party to carry out the maximum amount of the more important outdoor police duties, while providing an adequate office service.
The service provided is inadequate. It cannot be any other way when the station is closed for 17 hours out of every 24 hours in a town, with a population of 2,500, on the main road from Cork to Charleville and Cork to Limerick.
The first thing I would like to point out is that the present opening hours are not new; they have been in operation since January, 1967, which is almost three years and ten months. Complaints have been made only in the last month or two. I would remind the Deputy that because a police station is not open at a given time that does not mean that a police service is not being afforded at that time. The commissioner is satisfied that a full service is being given in Charleville.
The Minister is well aware that the only service being provided is a notice in the window which informs people looking for information from a member of the Garda Síochána to ring headquarters in Mallow 15 miles away. In view of the unsatisfactory reply from the Minister I wish to raise the matter on the adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.