Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1082. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations open in the Mayo division in each of the years 2009 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and the names of same. [34794/18]
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 Mayo Division currently comprises 29 Garda stations as follows: Achill Sound, Balla, Ballina, Ballindine, Ballinrobe, Ballycroy, Ballyhaunis, Bangor Erris, Belmullet, Bonniconlon, Castlebar, Charlestown, Claremorris, Cong, Crossmolina, Foxford, Glenamoy, Keel, Killala, Kilkelly, Kilmaine, Kiltimagh, Knock, Louisburgh, Newport, Partry, Shrule, Swinford and Westport.
I understand from the Garda authorities that during the period referred to by the Deputy ten Garda Stations were closed in the Mayo Division as part of the Garda Station Rationalisation Programme of 2012 and 2013.
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 Mayo Division during the period referred to by the Deputy. I understand that the 10 stations closed in the Mayo Division as part of that rationalisation programme were the stations at Bellacorick, Glenisland, Mulranny and Tourmakeady (closed in 2012) and stations at Ballycastle, Ballyglass, Ballyvary, Blacksod, Hollymount and Lahardane (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.
