Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:967. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations that were open in the Meath Garda division in each year since 2009; and the names of same. [34425/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (967)
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.
The Meath Garda Division currently comprises 16 Garda Stations. These are as follows: Ashbourne, Athboy, Ballivor, Duleek, Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin, Enfield, Kells, Laytown, Longwood, Navan, Nobber, Oldcastle, Slane, Summerhill and Trim.
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 2 stations closed in the Meath Division during the period referred to by the Deputy.
I understand that the 2 Garda stations in Meath Division which were closed as part of that rationalisation programme were Crossakiel and Kilmessan (both 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.