Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2004
145 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations throughout County Kildare which are open on a 24 hour basis, a 12 hour basis or a six hour basis or less; if it is intended to extend the opening hours of any or all of the stations with fewer opening hours than desirable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32733/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of hours each Garda station in County Kildare is open during a 24 hour period is as set out hereunder.
|
Station |
Hours |
|
Naas |
24 hours |
|
Celbridge |
9 hours |
|
Clane |
3 hours |
|
Maynooth |
9 hours |
|
Kill |
3 hours |
|
Kildare |
24 hours |
|
Newbridge |
24 hours |
|
Robertstown |
3 hours |
|
Kilcullen |
3 hours |
|
Carbury |
3 hours |
|
Monasterevin |
3 hours |
|
Rathangan |
3 hours |
|
Athy |
10 hours |
|
Castledermot |
3 hours |
|
Ballytore |
2 hours |
|
Ballymore Eustace |
2 hours |
Resources are utilised to ensure that stations are opened for the periods outlined, in conjunction with ensuring car patrols, foot patrols and all other areas of policing are also addressed. Local Garda management states that it is not intended at this time to extend the opening hours of any of the stations in County Kildare attached to the Carlow/Kildare division.
With regard to Garda resources generally, I am pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources.
Clearly, of course, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
