Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2005
209 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to introduce extended opening hours for any of the Garda stations throughout County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21804/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra210 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the opening hours of each of the Garda stations in County Kildare; if he intends to extend the opening hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21805/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra211 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations throughout County Kildare which are not currently occupied other than by the green man; his plans for the future of such stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21806/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 209 to 211, inclusive, together.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of hours each Garda station in County Kildare are open during a 24-hour period is as set out hereunder.
|
Station |
Hours |
|
Naas |
24 hours |
|
Celbridge |
Nine hours |
|
Clane |
Three hours |
|
Maynooth |
Nine hours |
|
Kill |
Three hours |
|
Kildare |
24 hours |
|
Newbridge |
24 hours |
|
Robertstown |
Three hours |
|
Kilcullen |
Three hours |
|
Carbury |
Three hours |
|
Monasterevin |
Three hours |
|
Rathangan |
Three hours |
|
Athy |
Ten hours |
|
Castledermot |
Three hours |
|
Ballytore |
Two hours |
|
Ballymore Eustace |
Two hours |
|
Kilcock |
Three hours |
|
Leixlip |
Three hours |
Local Garda management states that 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. I am further informed that local Garda management does not intend to extend the opening hours of any of the stations in County Kildare attached to the Carlow-Kildare division at this time, as it is considered that the extension of the opening hours of any of those stations would necessitate the employment of more staff on indoor administrative duties who may be employed more productively on outdoor policing duties.
With regard to Garda resources generally, I am very 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 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 be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the various Garda stations throughout County Kildare will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country. Clearly, 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 very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. One thing I have already promised is 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.
