Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1079. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations that were open in the Kilkenny Garda division in each year since 2009; and the name of each. [34791/18]
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 Kilkenny/Carlow Garda Division currently comprises 17 Garda stations as follows: Ballyhale, Bennetsbridge, Callan, Castlecomer, Freshford, Glenmore, Goresbridge, Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny, Kilmacow, Kilmoganny, Mooncoin, Mullinavat, Piltown, Stoneyford, Thomastown and Urlingford.
I understand from the Garda authorities that during the period referred to by the Deputy, three Garda Station were closed in the Kilkenny/Carlow Division. These closures of the stations at Ballyragget, Inistigoge and Johnstown in the Kilkenny/Carlow Division were part of the Garda Station Rationalisation Programme of 2012 and 2013, which resulted in the closure of some 139 Garda stations nationwide.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the closures implemented 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.
