Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy, to confirm the opening hours status of Boyle Garda station and to provide an update on the matter. There has been local speculation about changes to Boyle Garda station's opening times and I ask the Minister of State to provide reassurance and clarity in this regard. I am aware that the chief superintendent of the Longford-Roscommon Garda division has moved to allay concerns by stating these changes are not a retrograde step and will help make more gardaí visible in the community out on patrol and will ensure they are mounting more checkpoints. I also am glad to note the chief superintendent stated there would be no reduction in the number of front-line gardaí. All Members agree that it is vital to have a visible and effective police service on which families, businesses and communities can rely. All Members are aware that An Garda Síochána is undergoing reform and central to this reform is that the operational strategy is aimed at freeing up more gardaí from desk duties, increasing the number of patrols and enhancing visibility in rural areas in particular on a 24-7 basis. This allows gardaí to respond even faster to incidents and especially in the more remote areas, this must be welcomed.

The question must be asked as to whether this strategy is working. As the Minister of State probably will note, the evidence indicates it is working extremely well in County Roscommon. The data for 2014 indicate that Roscommon is the safest county in the country, with crime rates that are 53% below the national average. In comparison, the crime rate in Dublin is four times that of Roscommon, which has the lowest rate in the country at just 234 crimes recorded per 10,000 of population. While these figures are extremely positive, the sterling work of the Garda in Roscommon, as in every county, must continue on a daily basis to protect communities.

As for what the people seek, they are deeply concerned that the lack of opening times may affect people's access to Boyle Garda station. The Minister of State should relay this point to the Garda authorities to try to ensure its opening times remain the same. Two years ago, a commitment was given by the superintendent that the station's opening times would remain the same and the Garda should look into this and should live up to its commitment. Regarding the expectations of a 21st century police service, I make the point that it must retain the trust and confidence of the public and I believe it has done this to a great extent. Again, I understand that the Garda district in which Boyle was the main station amalgamated with Castlerea and there has been much speculation over the past two or three years that this might undermine people's security in rural areas. I am aware that many Garda stations have been closed in other areas and this has not had a negative impact on crime but has helped to reduce crime in those areas. I am not one of those politicians who will shout for the sake of shouting. I am not one of those politicians who will go about putting the fear of God into everybody. I understand that change must be made but on this occasion, I really believe that reducing the opening hours of Boyle Garda station is a drastic step. I believe the reduction from being open on a 24-hour basis to being open for six hours on one day and for two hours in the evenings is far too much. I ask the Minister of State to talk to the superintendent and to the Garda authorities to try to ensure they will consider this issue to allay the fears of the people on the ground.

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