Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2017
256. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to reallocate resources to Ballymore Eustace Garda station in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49917/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.
Indeed, this was the basis on which the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme was developed and implemented, resulting in the closure of some 139 Garda stations, including Ballymore Eustace Garda station. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the closures have allowed front line Garda to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion particularly with regard to various targeted police operations.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.
The Garda Commissioner has recently submitted his final report in relation to this matter. The report recommends that stations at Ballinspittle, Co. Cork; Bawnboy, Co. Cavan; Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow; Donard, Co. Wicklow; together with Rush and Stepaside, Co. Dublin, be reopened on a pilot basis.
I understand that the Commissioner has written to the Office of Public Works to progress the matter.
It is my intention to bring the report before Government shortly.
