Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1044. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations which have been closed in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division in the past decade, in tabular form; the number of these buildings that have been sold; if An Garda Síochána has plans for the remaining stations in State ownership; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34699/18]
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 Cavan/Monaghan Division currently comprises 25 stations, as follows: Arva, Bailieboro, Ballinagh, Ballybay, Ballyconnell, Ballyjamesduff, Belturbet, Blacklion, Carrickmacross, Castleblaney, Cavan, Clones, Cootehill, Dowra, Emyvale, Killeshandra, Kilnaleck, Kingscourt, Monaghan, Mullagh, Rockcorry, Scotstown, Shercock, Swanlinbar and Virginia.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme developed and implemented in 2012 and 2013 resulted in the closure of some 139 Garda stations nationwide, including 10 stations closed in the Cavan/Monaghan Division during the period identified by the Deputy.
I understand that the 10 stations in Cavan/Monaghan Division which were closed as part of that rationalisation programme were as follows: Clontibret, Smithborough and Tullyvin (closed in 2012) and Bawnboy, Corrinshigagh, Newbliss, Redhills, Shantonagh, Stradone and Finea (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.
An Garda Síochána have further advised that the properties which formerly functioned as stations in Finea and Tullyvin were sold by public auction, while possession of the property at Shantonagh, which was a leased property, was returned to the landlord. The properties which formerly functioned as stations at Clontibret, Corrinshigagh, Newbliss, Smithborough, Bawnboy, Redhills and Stradone remain in State ownership.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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. The former station at Bawnboy has been identified as one of the 6 stations to reopen under this scheme - the Garda Commissioner's final report on the matter, which is available on my Department's website, recommends that Bawnboy, Co. Cavan be reopened, along with stations at Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Donard, Co. Wicklow, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow and Rush and Stepaside, Co. Dublin. The OPW and An Garda Síochána are actively engaged in progressing that pilot project.
In terms of the existing Garda estate in Cavan/Monaghan Division, the Deputy may also wish to note that the development of the planned new station at Bailieboro is additionally being progressed by An Garda Síochána in conjunction with the OPW.
