Written answers

Thursday, 3 March 2005

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Stations

5:00 pm

Photo of Emmet StaggEmmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason he does not intend to carry out a review of the number of 24 hour Garda stations in the State with a view to opening new 24 hour stations to reflect population changes, with particular emphasis on the north east Kildare towns of Maynooth, Leixlip and Celbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7381/05]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently no plans to extend the number of Garda stations open to the public on a 24 hour basis. The Garda authorities have also informed me that the extension of the current opening hours of the Garda stations in the north Kildare area would necessitate the employment of Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties and that, in their view, such personnel can be utilised in providing a visible Garda presence on outdoor policing activities. Local Garda management is satisfied that the arrangements currently at Maynooth, Leixlip and Celbridge are adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area.

With regard to Garda resources generally, I am 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 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 Kildare district will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country. Clearly, 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 significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.

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