Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 795: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will establish a Garda station to serve Donaghmede and Clongriffin, Dublin 13 and environs in view of the significant increase in population at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29022/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, 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 advised by the Garda Authorities that local Garda management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the Clongriffin area. The area also 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 that the opening of a new Garda Station in the Clongriffin area would be incompatible with contemporary policing policy in the Division and would result in valuable Garda resources being diverted from outdoor, operational policing to indoor administration duties.

Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of Coolock Garda Station and the Dublin Metropolitan North Division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.