Bernard Allen
Ceist:918 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the provision of a new Garda station for the Riverstown/Glanmire area of County Cork. [22126/01]
Written Answers. - Garda Stations.
The position in relation to the station referred to by the Deputy is essentially as set out in my reply to Question No. 469 on 12 June 2001. The Office of Public Works is currently examining sites in the area.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:919 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the Riverstown/Glanmire Garda station is not open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and if he will consider an extension of the Garda service in the area. [22127/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the allocation of resources to individual areas, that the current manpower strength of Glanmire Garda station is 15, all ranks, and that the station is open to the public during the following hours: Monday to Saturday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m; Sunday – 12 noon to 1 p.m. When not open, PACB and call diversion systems are in operation and linked to the district headquarters at Cobh Garda station. I am further advised by the Garda authorities that an extension of the current opening hours to 24 hours would necessitate the employment of Garda personnel on indoors administrative duties. The Garda authorities are of the view that such personnel can be utilised more effectively in providing a visible Garda presence on outdoor policing duties.