Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 304: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the rationalisation of boundaries of Garda districts is taking place; the expected expenditure for such a change; if this expenditure has had a cost-benefit analysis completed; if these boundary changes will impact on south Tipperary; and if they do impact on south Tipperary, the way in which they do. [27880/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda Síochána's 2008 Policing Plan, which was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, contains the Commissioner's proposals to realign Garda Divisional boundaries to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees. As part of this work, the geographical areas of district and sub-district stations arising from the Divisional boundary realignments are also being examined to ensure that service delivery to the community is maintained to a high standard. Any expected costs arising from changes at Garda districts level are factored into the Divisional boundary changes and into existing budgetary allocations.

Project boards have been established in each Garda division, including one in Tipperary, to develop implementation plans and to rollout the planned changes. The project board in Tipperary is currently analysing the impact of the boundary changes on the Tipperary Garda Division and will make recommendations to the Commissioner regarding any proposed changes in relation to the realignment of Garda sub-districts/districts.