Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 872: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has responded to the offer by the developers of a local office for An Garda Síochána at block one of the new urban region being developed in Clongriffin, Dublin 13; if he will use this facility as the commencement process for the long-promised Garda station in Donaghmede which is adjacent to the North Fringe and Clongriffin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11770/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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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 Plans. I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management are satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing serving is delivered to the Clongriffen area. The area is policed primarily by Coolock Garda Station which forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region, North Division. The personnel strength of the Dublin Metropolitan Region, North Division as at the 29th February last was 742 of which 116 serve in Coolock Garda Station. The area receives additional patrols from personnel attached to the District Detective Unit, Divisional Task Force, Divisional Traffic Unit and the Community Policing Unit.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the opening of a new Garda Station in the area would be incompatible with overall policing policy in the Division and would result in the deployment of Garda personnel away from outdoor operational policing to administrative duties. Garda management will keep the matter under review and when additional resources next becomes available, the needs of Coolock station and the Dublin Metropolitan Northern Division will be fully considered in the context of the overall requirements throughout the country.