Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Opening hours are a matter for operational decision by the Garda Commissioner. What has happened in other locations is there has been engagement with the local community and public representatives, and a commitment has been given that the Garda station will be open for certain defined hours in the week in order that people who have to go there to get passport forms stamped and so on know it will definitely be open at certain times. Perhaps that is worth exploring at local level. It has been done successfully elsewhere. I hear what the Deputy is saying about the hours being irregular and the fact that the station is open sometimes but that it is not always predictable. It would be good if agreement were possible that for certain hours in the week it would definitely be open, people could access it and avail of the services being provided.

See this speech in context