John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a Garda station (details supplied) in County Mayo has no full-time Garda presence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8775/09]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a garda (details supplied) will be replaced in County Mayo. [8779/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 31 January 2009, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of Hollymount Garda Station, Co. Mayo was 1. Hollymount Garda Station forms part of the Claremorris Garda District and the personnel strength of that District on the same date was 44.

Hollymount Garda Station is open to the public from 4.00 — 5.00pm, Monday — Saturday depending on the rostered tour of duty. When the station is closed, call diversion is in place to Claremorris Garda Station. I am advised that an increase in the opening hours of Hollymount Garda station would necessitate the deployment of additional Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking all relevant factors into account. In that regard, the needs of the Hollymount Garda Station will be fully considered by Garda management within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.