Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans in place to deploy manpower to ensure that no rural area suffers a downgrade in coverage as a result of the Wicklow-Wexford Garda division being split into two separate divisions particularly in areas like Askamore currently policed from Carnew-Bunclody and currently within the Gorey area coverage, Coolgreany and Inch which are looked after by the Arklow Garda Division and the Ballythomas area which is currently policed by the Tinahely Garda Station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20606/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Acts 2005 to 2007 proposals, inter alia, to alter the boundaries of a divisional geographical area are a matter in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. The 2008 Policing Plan contains the Commissioner's proposals to realign Garda boundaries in a number of areas around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. This includes the separation of the existing Wicklow/Wexford Division into two new Garda Divisions of Wicklow and Wexford with Bray and Wexford as the respective Divisional Headquarters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a detailed programme of work has been developed to implement these planned changes which includes plans for the distribution of personnel resources. Additional resources for the new Divisions are being considered in this regard. I am further advised by the Garda authorities that plans have been developed locally to ensure that the Garda service delivery is maintained to a high standard throughout the new Divisions including the areas referred to by the Deputy.