Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if the proposals to close rural Garda stations is implemented, the procedures that will be used to ensure that the Garda stations and the lands surrounding them are made available to community and voluntary groups; if the various development associations may make an application to take control of the said stations for local and community projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57602/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The implementation of the reduction in the number of Garda stations and Districts as set out in the Policing Plan for 2013 will take place in full consultation with the local communities and staffing interests. Local Garda management will shortly commence the process of engaging with these communities through the Joint Policing Committees and other fora to advise them of the revised policing arrangements for the localities in question. The objective will be to ensure that the best possible policing service will be provided at all times.

The question of the possible future use of the property is a matter for the Office of Public Works and I understand that they are open to proposals as to how best to utilise the premises in question.