Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 156: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and location of Garda stations throughout County Kildare that are open on a part-time basis; if so, the extent of same; the number closed altogether; his plans to improve the service in view of crime and demographic trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29980/05]

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 the Carlow-Kildare division as at 19 October 2005 was 332, all ranks. The personnel strength of the Carlow-Kildare division as at 31 December 1997 was 292, all ranks. This represents an increase of 30, or 13%, in the number of personnel allocated to the Carlow-Kildare division since that date. The Garda stations in County Kildare currently operating on a part-time basis are as set out in the following table:

The Garda stations at Naas, Kildare and Newbridge are open at all times. Local Garda management states that resources are utilised to ensure that stations are opened for the periods outlined, in conjunction with ensuring car patrols, foot patrols and all other areas of policing are also addressed. Local Garda management further states that it is not intended at this time to extend the opening hours of any of the stations in County Kildare attached to the Carlow-Kildare division. I am further advised that the extension of the opening hours of any of the Garda stations in County Kildare would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

Regarding Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign of 1,100 Garda recruits each year to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in the agreed programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of 2006. The Garda Commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and, in this context, the needs of the Carlow/Kildare division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.