Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1177: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if further consideration will be given to the need for a second Garda station in Tallaght, Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Tallaght is the third largest population centre here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1379/08]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1220: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take to ensure that progress is being made in respect of plans for the replacement of the Garda station site at Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1688/08]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1221: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will put pressure on the Garda Authorities to assign additional Gardaí to Tallaght, Dublin 24, the third largest population centre here; if his attention has been drawn to the needs of the region in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1689/08]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1264: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide additional resources to An Garda Síochána to allow for extra policing activity in the Tallaght west area of Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the particular challenges for the Gardaí in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2410/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1177, 1220, 1221 and 1264 together.

In accordance with section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations are a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that their accommodation requirements for policing the Tallaght area will be best met by the re-development of the existing Garda Station site at the Square.

The Commissioners of Public Works, who have responsibility for the provision, refurbishment and maintenance of Garda buildings, are appraising the existing site with a view to maximising its development potential for the State. Planning is at an advanced stage for a development of the site to address all Garda requirements for Tallaght, which will include a significant increase in the current accommodation available to the Gardaí as well as facilitating the re-location of the Divisional Headquarters. I can assure the Deputy that there will be no avoidable delay in addressing Garda accommodation needs in Tallaght.

The Deputy will be aware that it is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as at 31 December 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the total strength of Tallaght Garda Station was 181. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Tallaght will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of Garda needs.

I am aware of the policing challenges facing An Garda Síochána in the Tallaght area, many of which I have determined as overall priorities for An Garda Síochána in the 2008 Policing Plan and which the Commissioner has elaborated on as strategic goals for 2008 in the context of the Plan.