Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 526: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on increasing the opening hours of Clane Garda station; if same can be increased bearing in mind increased population and the local need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32824/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the opening hours of the Garda station at Clane, County Kildare, are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday. I am also informed that local Garda management does not intend to extend the opening hours of Clane Garda station at this time. Local Garda management state 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. I am further advised that the extension of the opening hours of Clane Garda station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

In relation to 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 plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of Clane Garda station will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.