Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to reverse the decision to downgrade Gorey Garda Station, County Wexford, in view of the fact that the fast growing population and level of crime in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11601/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Acts, proposals to change Garda District geographical boundaries are a matter in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner, in the context of his Annual Policing Plan. The Garda Policing Plan for 2013 sets out the Commissioner's proposals to amalgamate a number of Garda Districts, including the Gorey and Enniscorthy Districts. The Commissioner’s priority in introducing the changes in the 2013 Policing Plan was to ensure the continued delivery of an effective policing service throughout the country and ensure that Garda resources are deployed to meet the existing and projected policing requirements within all Divisions in 2013, including the Wexford Division.

The amalgamation of Garda Districts into larger Districts will allow for the more flexible deployment of resources and provide improved economies of scale in terms of administration. The Garda Commissioner has stated that, whilst the revised structures will further enhance operational capacity, they will also continue to support the Garda community policing philosophy. The revised District arrangements for the Wexford Division are aimed at freeing up Garda personnel from desk duties so that they are out with communities, engaging in frontline policing. In that context, I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the amalgamation of the Gorey and Enniscorthy Garda Districts will lead to improved efficiencies in the delivery of the policing service currently provided within the Wexford Garda Division.