Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1037. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations open in the Dublin northern metropolitan region Garda division in each year since 2009; and the name of each. [34575/18]
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, taking into account crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources. Further, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda estate currently includes 565 Garda Stations, following the official opening of the new Western Region Headquarters, Galway in July 2018.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the DMR North Garda Division currently comprises 13 Garda Stations. These stations are located as follows: Balbriggan, Ballymun, Coolock, Clontarf, Dublin Airport, Garristown, Howth, Lusk, Malahide, Raheny, Santry, Skerries and Swords.
I understand from the Garda authorities that during the period referred to by the Deputy, 2 stations were closed in the DMR North Division as part of the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme of 2012 and 2013. That programme resulted in the closure of some 139 stations nationwide, including Rush and Whitehall (closed in 2013).
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the closures implemented nationally under the rationalisation programme allowed front line Garda to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion, particularly with regard to targeted police operations.
Finally, the Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations to determine possible positive impacts on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order and that Rush is one of the stations included in the pilot reopening project. I can confirm that the OPW and An Garda Síochána are engaging closely to progress the reopening project.
