Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:964. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations open in the Carlow Garda division in each year since 2009; and the name of each. [34422/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (964)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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 co-operation 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 Garda stations located in Carlow within the Kilkenny/Carlow Garda Division currently comprises 8 Garda stations. These are Bagnelstown, Ballon, Borris, Carlow, Hacketstown, Myshall South, Rathvilly and Tullow Garda Stations.
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 stations nationwide. This included one station in Carlow, during the period referred to by the Deputy. The station in question was Leighlinbridge, which closed in 2013. The Garda authorities inform me 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.
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 Garda Commissioner's final report on the matter, which is available on my Department's website, recommended that Leighlinbridge Garda station, Co. Carlow be reopened, along with stations in Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Donard, Co. Wicklow, and Rush and Stepaside, Co. Dublin. I understand that An Garda Síochána and the Office of Public Works are engaging actively to progress the pilot project.