Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 205: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding the operational hours of Glanmire Garda station, County Cork; and if he has plans to extend the operational times of the station in view of the rapidly increasing population in the area. [4348/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Glanmire Garda station, all ranks, as at 9 February 2005 was 18. The personnel strength of Glanmire Garda station, all ranks, as at 1 January 1998 was 14. This represents an increase of four, 28.5%, in the number of personnel allocated to Glanmire Garda station.

Glanmire Garda station is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. It is also open from 12 noon to 1p.m. on Sunday. The operational hours of Glanmire Garda station are from 8 a.m. to 6 a.m. — 22 hour service. Calls between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. are answered by the district patrol car attached to Cobh Garda station. I am further informed that the extension of the opening hours at Glanmire would only serve to confine additional personnel to indoor duties, who, in the view of the Garda authorities, would be deployed more usefully on the beat.

In relation to Garda resources generally, I am, of course, very pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.

The commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the Glanmire Garda station will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country. Clearly, of course, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. One thing I have already promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front line, operational, high visibility policing. They will have a real impact.

Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 206: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding the provision of a new Garda station at Glanmire, County Cork. [4349/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is proposed to build a new Garda station in Glanmire. However, as with any new station, construction depends on a number of factors, including the availability of financial and other resources and priorities within the Garda building programme. Accordingly, it is not possible, at this point, to say when the new station will be provided.

I can assure the Deputy, however, that the accommodation requirements of the gardaí at Glanmire have been noted and there will be no avoidable delay in addressing the matter.