Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 698: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for the Blessington area, County Wicklow for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004; if he will give consideration to establishing a full time Garda station in the area, due to the rapidly increasing population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10342/05]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 792: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for the Blessington area for the years 2000 to 2004 inclusive; if he will establish a full time Garda station in the area, in view of the fact that the population has rapidly increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11260/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 698 and 792 together.

I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities and the information requested by the Deputy is as set out in the following table. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Blessington garda station, as at 6 April 2005, is 14. Blessington Garda station is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. When the station is not open, the public access callbox system and call diversion systems are in operation to the district headquarters at Naas Garda station.

Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in Blessington Garda station with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of Blessington Garda station will be fully considered within the context of the overall needs of Garda stations throughout the country.