David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That might be a sore point in some counties in which Garda stations have been closed over recent years, particularly in rural areas.

Thirty-two councillors on Waterford City and County Council and all of the county's Oireachtas Members bar one wrote to Mr. Harris outlining concerns about the headquarters of the new Waterford-Kilkenny-Carlow division potentially being outside Waterford. Mr. Harris has told the committee that some of the relevant decisions might not have been made. The Garda must pursue the process independently. That said, people will look at this situation and compare it with what happened at Stepaside Garda station, where a Minister was presented with a plaque on the basis of what was perceived to have been a political decision rather than an operational one. Leaving that matter aside, decisions should be made through the proper processes and subject to proper criteria - I accept that that is the case with these particular reforms - but due regard must also be given to national policy in terms of spatial planning and population growth. There must be joined-up government and policy. Given that Waterford is the regional city, there is a concern. I met a number of senior Garda members in Waterford. They are supportive of the overall changes. At our request, they met Oireachtas Members and members of the joint policing committee and they expressed a number of concerns to us. Has a decision been made on where the headquarters of the new Waterford-Carlow-Kilkenny division will be?