Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 March 2004
375 Mr. English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to expand the DMR to include Lusk; if he has plans to extend the opening hours of the Garda station in Lusk and to increase the number of gardaí assigned to it; if there are plans to have community gardaí appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6525/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the current personnel strength of Lusk Garda station is four, all ranks, and that there are currently no plans to include Lusk Garda station in the Dublin metropolitan region.
The opening hours of Lusk Garda station are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Saturday inclusive and from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays, depending on availability of personnel. When the station is not open, PACB and call diversion systems are in operation and connected to the district headquarters in Balbriggan.
I am further informed that the extension of the current opening hours of Lusk Garda station would necessitate the employment of Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties. Such personnel can be utilised more effectively in providing a visible Garda presence on outdoor policing duties. There are currently no plans to provide a community Garda in the Lusk area. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative policy employed in Lusk with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next becomes available the needs of Lusk Garda station will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
