Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

461. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the factors that were taken into account when deciding which Garda stations to close; the way those decisions were made; the way other Garda stations in the area will adjust to meet the needs of the communities once stations have closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42161/13]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

466. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to address the shortage of An Garda Síochána in rural areas, particularly in the context where closures have been effected of Garda stations in rural areas; if it is proposed to put in place appropriate mobile patrols and other such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42344/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 461 and 466 together.

The Policing Plan for 2013, which I laid before the Oireachtas on 5 December 2012, outlined the Garda Commissioner's proposals for the continued reorganisation and consolidation of the Garda Station and District network. In preparing that plan, the Commissioner reviewed all aspects of the Garda Síochána’s policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures. In addition, all Divisional Officers were asked to assess the level of activity in each Garda Station in their area.

The Commissioner determined as a result of that review that a number of Garda stations should be closed and concluded that the communities covered by the areas in question could be better served by having Gardaí patrolling the areas rather than being confined to a specific premises. I fully agree with the Commissioner's determination in that regard.

The revised structures will continue to support An Garda Síochána community policing philosophy through the clustering of services at policing hubs. The 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.