Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
574. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the staffing levels in Rathcoole Garda station, County Dublin; the hours that this station is meant to be open; his plans to increase staffing at this station to ensure that a full-time service is provided to the residents of Newcastle, Rathcoole and the surrounding areas. [36239/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel and Garda station opening hours, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. Furthermore when allocations are taking place comprehensive consultation is carried out with local management during which all factors are taken into consideration. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.
Rathcoole Garda Station forms part of the Clondalkin District and I am informed by the Commissioner that the Garda strength of the Clondalkin District on the 30 June 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 196 members of which 16 were assigned to Rathcoole Garda Station. There are also 7 Garda Reserves and 16 civilians attached to the Clondalkin District. When appropriate, the work of local gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and the Organised Crime Bureau.
I am further informed by the Commissioner that Rathcoole Garda Station is open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. subject to available manpower. An increase in the opening hours of any Garda station would necessitate the deployment of additional Garda personnel to indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties. While the position is kept under review by the Garda authorities, I understand that there are no plans at this time to increase the opening hours of Rathcoole Garda station.
