Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Acts 2005 to 2007, proposals 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 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.

I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the Limerick Division is being primarily affected by the boundary realignment of the Tipperary Division. The realignment of the Tipperary Boundaries has resulted in the following changes to the Limerick Division:

The sub-districts of Oola, Doon and Galbally will be transferred from the district of Tipperary and will be incorporated into the Bruff district. These changes will take place on the 1st January 2009.

The divisions of Clare, Kerry and the three divisions within County Cork are scheduled to re-align their divisional boundaries during 2009 and this will have a further impact on the Limerick Division. A detailed programme of work is now being developed to identify and facilitate alignment changes in these divisions and will set out a timetable for the proposed changes.