Mr. Mark Toland:

It needs to be in a place where the community has access. Deployment needs to be considered. In my last command, we had some of our units based in two places because of a motorway going through the middle of it. One needs to get to a place quickly in a 999 call which means many issues need to be taken into account. We have given them a new model around how they operate at division. They need to look at what facilities are available. I believe it is more than just Garda stations. It is libraries, other premises and clinics where the community knows a Garda will be at a certain time. They are starting to do that and there are some good examples.

The future remit of the Policing Authority will take us into this territory. For the first time, we will take a proper hard look at the dispersal of stations and facilities to assist the Garda Síochána to come up with a plan about how best to use those facilities and where best to put gardaí. I see a Garda station as a building for patrol officers where they start and finish. For the rest of the time, one wants them out and about engaging with the public. The public needs to know where it can access Garda services when they need them for non-emergencies.