Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a proposal to re-align the Birr and Roscrea Garda districts along county bounds and despite the fact that Killavilla is in the immediate vicinity of the Roscrea district it will now be served by the Birr station which is more than 12 miles away; if he will re examine the practicality of such a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46146/08]

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 am advised by the Garda authorities that they are fully satisfied that effective and efficient policing will be delivered in the areas affected by the proposed changes. Project boards established in each Garda division are managing all tasks associated with the roll out including the policing arrangements in the areas identified by the Deputy.