Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the decision to downgrade a Garda station (details supplied). [2183/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner's Policing Plan for 2013, which I laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 5th December 2012, sets out details of the closure of 100 Garda stations throughout the country, the future opening hours of other stations in Cork and Dublin and a number of District amalgamations. It is important to remember that while some Garda stations are listed for revised opening hours from 24 hour stations, they will remain as functioning Garda stations on a 24 hour basis. The full list of these details is available in the Policing Plan which is available in the Oireachtas Library.

The Commissioner has concluded that resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front-line if particular stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained or if the public opening hours of other stations could be reduced at off-peak times. In making that decision he has reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service to all communities, including those in rural areas. Specifically regarding Kanturk, while the station there will remain as a working Garda station, the District will be apportioned between the Mallow District in the Cork North Division and the Macroom District in the Cork West Division. The local Divisional Officers have been tasked with developing a comprehensive consultation strategy together with a tailored implementation plan that will meet the particular needs of their Divisions.

The intention is that at all times optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The revised structures will continue to support the community policing philosophy of An Garda Síochána through the clustering of services at policing hubs. This centralisation of services will facilitate the introduction of an enhanced grid patrolling system that will be operational and intelligence led.  This patrol system will ensure that a high visibility and community oriented policing service continues to be delivered throughout the country.