Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
610. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the closure of Garda stations in County Kerry having a direct link with the increase in crime (details supplied) in County Kerry; her plans to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30741/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations is a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of annual policing plans, as provided for in section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
The Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme was implemented in An Garda Síochána during 2012 and 2013. The objective of the review was to identify opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. There were 12 station closures in County Kerry in 2012 and 2013 and Garda management inform me that the policing service provided by them to the Kerry Division through the restructuring of the Garda station network is delivering greater efficiencies in the deployment of personnel and other resources.
I am further informed that the restructured station network continues to provide the necessary levels of policing services through a centralisation of services which in turn has facilitated the introduction of enhanced patrolling systems that are operational and intelligence led. This helps ensure that a high visibility and community oriented policing service continues to be delivered throughout Divisions nationwide, including Kerry and yields the following benefits:
- Increased Garda visibility and patrol hours
- Increased mobility and flexibility within an area resulting in an improved policing service to the public
- Enhanced co-ordination of Garda activity resulting in a greater visibility and presence in the communities
- More effective use of limited resources across a wider area
- Continued Garda presence in communities
In accordance with Section 22(1) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, any further organisation development initiatives will be outlined in future Policing Plans.
Figures provided for August 2015 for the same offence shows a Divisional figure of 36 Burglaries, which is a 43% decrease on the June figure of 63. Of the 63 burglaries that occurred in June 2015, only two of these were committed in areas in which Garda Stations have closed – namely Moyvane and Cloghane.
I can assure the Deputy that tackling organised crime in all its guises is a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána and this is clearly reflected in the Policing Plan for 2015. Garda management advise that they are continuing to vigorously tackle organised crime through a range of targeted activities designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations. This includes the use of advanced analytical and intelligence methods in support of operations that enable early intervention and the prevention of such crimes.
While we should not underestimate the difficulties which the Garda authorities face in tackling organised crime activity, we continue to see the significant results of their efforts in the arrests made and persons being brought before the Courts.
Finally I have been assured by the Garda authorities that local Garda Management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. In that regard, ten newly appointed Probationer Gardaí have been allocated to the Kerry Division since May 2015. As additional personnel and resources become available, the needs of the Kerry Division will continue to be reviewed within the context of the overall needs of the Garda organisation.
