Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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120. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the plans in place for Garda stations in east Galway that currently have no gardaí assigned to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12713/25]

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I raise an issue currently in Galway East around Garda stations that currently have no gardaí assigned to them. These buildings are lying vacant and empty. I mention three in particular, namely, Ardrahan, Eyrecourt and Ahascragh. These Garda stations currently have no gardaí assigned to them. Are there any plans in place to ensure they are staffed and that they serve the communities they were built to serve?

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for his question. I assure him the Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. Our budget for 2025 saw an unprecedented level of funding of €2.48 billion for the year which, as I referenced previously, is a 27% increase since 2020. I have also referenced that we had 149 new gardaí passed out two weeks ago and that we saw more than 200 trainees enter Templemore in the past number of days.

While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, we engage with him regularly to ensure our gardaí have the resources they need. We are informed that when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any division, consideration is given to the commitments and undertakings outlined in the annual policing plan. Garda authorities have informed us that the four stations referred to by the Deputy currently have no gardaí assigned to them but it is crucial to note that these areas are still being actively policed. Gardaí attached to larger stations within the Galway county east community engagement area, supplemented by the Galway division roads policing unit, the Galway division crime unit and the Galway division drugs unit, respond to policing needs in the communities referred to. The divisional officer will consider the allocation of gardaí to these stations with the Galway county east community engagement area should additional resources be allocated to the Galway division. The new operating model is intended to release more front-line gardaí, provide a stronger focus on community policing and transform the delivery of policing services locally. It reflects best international practice and will ensure each division has the resources and skills to deliver a wide range of community policing and specialist services based on the demands in their area.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I really appreciate the investment that is being made in An Garda Síochána and I appreciate the drive that is currently taking place to recruit more gardaí. I welcome the fact that those rural stations mentioned will be considered in future allocations. What is important as well is that these are fine buildings and they have an opportunity to provide accommodation for young gardaí. A big issue is that if these buildings are not used, they will fall into disrepair and will not be maintained. I see it right across Galway East where these Garda stations were lived in. They provided a vital service and allowed people to embed themselves in the community. That community policing thing is something that is really important in our constituency because people want to know their local gardaí. They want to be connected to them and they want to know that when they need to access forms or paper work to be signed, they can do so. I really appreciate any commitment that can be given to Galway East Garda stations.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is correct to raise the issues that impact on his constituency. There is no doubt that the three of us here on the Front Bench are taking note of what he is saying and we will convey his views to the Garda Commissioner. To reiterate, a number of years ago, this House passed a major Bill, which means the entire operational side of An Garda Síochána is in the gift of the Garda Commissioner and his office. It is he and his team who decide upon the allocation of manpower within each Garda division and the number of gardaí to be allocated right across the country. That is something into which we do not have direct input. As a public representative, the Deputy is entitled to, and is right to, raise the concerns he and his constituents have. At the end of the day, we are all practising constituency politicians also and we want to see our own areas policed effectively. That is why the top line job of Government is, which is set out within the programme for Government, that we want to drive recruitment. We are doing everything we can to do that. I have outlined to the Deputy what we are doing. The programme for Government sets out very ambitious plans to get more men and women into An Garda Síochána, to have them attested and policing our front lines and to get them out into our streets in our towns and cities and across our rural communities.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I appreciate it is the Commissioner's role to allocate the divisional split across the country. One idea the Government could consider for the future is, similar to how in Galway County Council we have our rural library scheme whereby people can access books in their community on a weekly basis, we should have a community policy service where a van would go around to every community in Galway East and other constituencies. What would happen is that people could use this at a set time, they would know it would be there and they would be able to access forms, get their passport stamped and get relevant documents sorted.

This service is not currently being provided in many rural stations. In east Galway, people currently have to travel to Athenry or to another constituency like Oranmore to access it. If this service was in communities where people knew about it, they would access it. I would appreciate the Minister's consideration of this. Maybe it is something he could raise with the Commissioner as well.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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This is absolutely something we can raise in our next discussion with the Garda Commissioner and his team. In my own experience, I have seen many community outreach and engagement activities by An Garda Síochána so it is not something beyond their capabilities. I do not see any reason why it cannot be done and we will certainly offer that as a suggestion.