Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 438: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the stations to which the Gardaí currently attached to Harcourt Terrace Garda Station will be transferred upon the closure of that station; the timeframe for such transfers; the details of the transfer to each station by rank; the way in which the patrol area currently served by Harcourt Terrace will be divided between other Garda Stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16100/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Harcourt Terrace Garda Station as at 31 March, 2006 was 82 (all ranks).

Following the Government Decision to make the site occupied by Harcourt Terrace Garda Station available under the Affordable Housing Initiative, the Garda Authorities have identified Pearse Street and Kevin Street Garda stations as the most suitable stations to police the Harcourt Terrace Sub-district and I have accepted this advice. In finalising the timing of the procurement process for the Harcourt Terrace site, among other issues, the re-accommodation requirements of the Garda Station will need to be taken into account. This matter is being actively pursued by officials from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Office of Public Works and my own Department.

The Garda Authorities, in consultation with officials of my Department, have prepared a brief of accommodation requirements to facilitate the transfer of one (1) Inspector, seven (7) Sergeants and 50 Gardaí from Harcourt Terrace Station to Kevin Street Garda Station and this has been forwarded to the Office of Public Works.

In addition, a request has been made to the Office of Public Works to undertake an examination of the accommodation requirements of Pearse Street Garda Station, with a view to accommodating the remaining members currently attached to Harcourt Terrace Garda Station.

I am further informed that the way in which the patrol area currently served by Harcourt Terrace will be divided between other Garda Stations is the subject of ongoing discussions at present.