Vol. 529 No. 4
217 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will approve the opening and manning of Maynooth Garda station on a 24 hour basis, seven days per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3084/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Maynooth Garda station, which at December 2000 had a manpower strength of 14, all ranks, is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday. I am further informed that the extension of the current opening hours to 24 hours would necessitate the employment of Garda personnel on indoors administrative duties. Such personnel can be utilised more effectively in providing a visible Garda presence on outdoor policing duties. When not open, PACB, Green Man and call diversion sys tems are in operation and linked to the district headquarters at Naas Garda station. A message is then relayed to the patrol car at Maynooth, which is manned on a 24 hour basis. Resources are augmented from within the district as required.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the allocation of personnel to areas is constantly under review and when personnel next becomes available the needs of Maynooth will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of other areas throughout the country.
