Garda Deployment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Ceisteanna (491)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

491. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the amalgamation of the Newcastle West and Askeaton Garda districts, the provision that has been made to increase accommodation for Gardaí in the Newcastle West station; his views on whether the facilities in Newcastle West meet the needs of An Garda Síochána in respect of Garda welfare, prisoner accommodation and public service; if an application has been made to improve conditions in Newcastle West Garda station. [40468/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The decision to amalgamate the two Garda Districts referred to by the Deputy was one of the results of a comprehensive assessment carried out by the Garda Commissioner over a 12 month period and contained in his Policing Plan for 2013, which I laid before the House last November. It is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner to make a decision on the date for the amalgamation. In this context, I understand that plans are currently being developed to provide additional facilities at Newcastle West Garda station.