Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the significantly reduced opening hours of Garda stations on the north side of Dublin, including Howth and Malahide Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13480/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Commissioner's Policing Plan for 2012, which I laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 5 December 2011, sets out the future opening hours of Malahide and Howth Garda Stations. These are to be reduced to 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., from the current 24-hour basis. This in turn will free up gardaí during these hours from indoor duties to outdoor operational duties. It is also important to remember that while the Garda stations in question will have reduced opening hours to the public, they will remain as functioning Garda stations on a 24-hour basis. A decision on the implementation date for the reduced hours has not been made.

With regard to the Dublin Metropolitan North Division, it must be noted that approximately 777 Gardaí are assigned to the Division of which 229 are assigned to the Coolock District and 183 are assigned to the Raheny District. Malahide Garda Station and Howth Garda Station form part of the Coolock and Raheny Districts respectively. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by Gardaí from national units such as the Garda National Drug Unit and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The priority will remain, that an effective and professional policing service is provided to every part of the community, both rural and urban.