Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister for Justice and Equality to the House. It is not too often that I have the opportunity to address him, but on this occasion I am asking him to explain the rationale for the proposed closure of Corrandulla Garda barracks in County Galway, and how the area will be serviced, should the closure go ahead.

The closure of 31 Garda stations was announced on 5 December 2011, and the Garda barracks in Corrandulla was included in that list. Corrandulla and Annaghdown is a rapidly expanding townland in County Galway with a population of about 3,858, and 1,300 homes. The population will continue to expand in the coming years, given the popularity of the area. It is located approximately 12 miles — an easy commuting distance — from Galway city and ten miles from Oranmore. It was previously served by Headford Garda station but owing to boundary changes is now classed as being in the Tuam area. This is significant because Tuam is quite a distance from Corrandulla. The nearest Garda stations are located in Galway and Oranmore. Not unsurprisingly, the residents are extremely upset and angry and have stated they do not feel safe, particularly in the absence of a high level of Garda monitoring. There used to be one sergeant and two gardaí in the town, but now there is only one garda who does not have fixed hours. The Garda presence in the area is, therefore, relatively minor.

I am seeking to discover the rationale behind this move and when the Minister plans to proceed with it. Why was Corrandulla barracks selected for closure? A statement has been made to the effect that it is planned to sell the barracks. Will the Minister indicate the position in this regard and state what will be done with the money which accrues from the sale? Will such money be ring-fenced and reinvested in Garda activities? How will the area to which I refer be served in the absence of a Garda station?

I wrote to the Minister about this matter on 12 December. I raise it this evening because a public meeting is due to be held imminently and I am interested in obtaining the facts from him. It is important that they be provided because Members need to be able to respond to those whom they represent. When a group of children visited Parliament today, I informed them that the Seanad was the people's House and that we were their representatives. While we might believe we are always jumping in order to give them what they want, at times that is exactly what we should do. I look forward to the Minister's reply.