Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 335: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which it is expected to reorganise the Garda divisions, sub-divisions and districts throughout County Kildare in line with geographic boundaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21400/08]

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, which was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, 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 establishment of a new Kildare Division with Naas as the Divisional Headquarters. The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that project boards have been established in each division, including one in Kildare, to develop an implementation plan to create and rollout the new divisions. The relevant Project Boards are managing all tasks associated with the rollout including the identification of any accommodation requirements at individual stations. With regard to Kildare, the research is well advanced and will identify any structural realignment required within the Division.