Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 542: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, for the provision of policing in rural areas of County Clare; if his attention has been drawn to the proposals to close four rural Garda stations in Miltown Malbay, Lisdoonvarna, Doonbeg and Carrigaholt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4596/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The personnel strength of Miltown Malbay, Lisdoonvarna, Doonbeg and Carrigaholt Garda Stations on 31 December, 2007 (the latest date for which figures are readily available) was as set out in the table hereunder:

Local Garda management report that there are no proposals to close any of the aforementioned Garda Stations. The Deputy should appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The next allocation of Probationer Gardaí is due to take place on 13 March next. In that regard, the needs of the Garda Stations referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.