Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 244: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the area the proposed new station at Ballincollig will serve, he will arrange for increased Garda numbers and coverage on a 24 hour basis. [4907/07]

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 (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

There are plans to build a new city type Garda station at Ballincollig. A revised sketch scheme was sent to the OPW recently. The Office of Public Works (OPW) will proceed with the planning process and invitation of tenders.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Ballincollig Garda Station on 31 December, 1997 and 12 February, 2007 was 17 and 21 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 4 (or 23.5%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. Ballincollig Garda Station is open to the public from 9am to 1pm, 2pm to 6pm and 7pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. The call diversion system is in operation and linked to the District Headquarters at Gurranabraher Garda Station.

I am advised that the extension of opening hours at Ballincollig Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

During the allocation of newly attested personnel, the needs of Ballincollig Garda Station will be fully considered by the Garda Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.