Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the provision of a 24 hour Garda station for Dunlavin, County Wicklow; if this will be sanctioned as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19369/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Dunlavin Garda Station on 3 July 2007 was one. Dunlavin Garda Station forms part of the Carlow/Kildare Garda Division. The personnel strength of the Carlow/Kildare Division on 3 July 2007 was 391 (all ranks) respectively. Dunlavin Garda Station is open to the public from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, subject to manpower availability. The Public Access Call Box and call diversion system are in operation and linked to the District Headquarters at Baltinglass Garda Station, which is open on a 24-hour basis. The extension of the opening hours at Dunlavin Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who, in the view of the Garda Commissioner, may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Dunlavin Garda Station will be fully considered by the Garda Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the provision of a 24 hour Garda station for Blessington, County Wicklow; if this will be sanctioned as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19370/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Carlow/Kildare Division on 31 December, 1997 and 3 July, 2007 was 281 and 391 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 110 (or 39.1%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. The personnel strength of Blessington Garda Station on 3 July, 2007 was 16 (all ranks). Blessington Garda Station is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, subject to manpower availability. The Public Access Call Box and call diversion system are in operation and linked to the District Headquarters at Baltinglass Garda Station, which is open on a 24-hour basis. The extension of the opening hours at Blessington Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who, in the view of the Garda Commissioner, may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Blessington Garda Station will be fully considered by the Garda Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.