asked the Minister for Justice if he now recognises the need for a Garda station on the east side of Galway city in view of its rapidly growing population; and if he will give a commitment to the establishment of a Garda station on the east side in view of the fact that the new station on the west side of Galway is almost complete.
Written Answers. - Provision of Garda Station in Galway.
433.
Limerick East): The new Garda station to which the Deputy refers is being provided to replace the existing station at Eglington Street which is no longer adequate to meet Garda accommodation requirements. I am informed that the transfer of gardaí to this new station will not result in any reduction in the police service which is already being provided for the east side of the city.
With regard to the question of providing a Garda station on the east side of Galway city, I do not accept that the provision of an extra Garda station is necessarily the best way to improve Garda service to an area. The manning of an extra station tends to absorb considerable Garda manpower resources which might be better employed on outdoor patrolling in the area. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the police service for this part of the city has in fact been improved recently by the deployment of a Garda full time in the Mervue and Ballybane areas. The question of providing a new Garda station in this area will be kept under review.