Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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118. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations that have been closed in County Wexford since 2000; if her Department plans to reopen any of them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35256/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations is a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of annual policing plans, as provided for in section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána carried out a comprehensive review of its district and station network in 2012 and 2013. The objective was to identify opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. The review resulted in a reconfigured district and station network aimed at deploying the organisation's resource base to optimal effect. The resulting Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme led to the closure of 139 Garda Stations and the amalgamation of 32 Garda districts during the course of 2012 and 2013.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there were no Garda station closures between 2000 and 2011 in County Wexford. There were two station closures in County Wexford in 2012: Ballywilliam and Baldwinstown; and the station in Kiltealy closed in 2013. There are no plans to reopen these stations.

An Garda Síochána is committed to providing the best possible policing service to the people of Ireland within the resources available. An Garda Síochána regularly reviews and assesses the organisation's capabilities and the deployment of those resources to provide an effective policing service. The needs of the community and the ability of the organisation to contribute to public safety and community protection remains the foremost consideration of An Garda Síochána.

The Garda Authorities advise me that local Garda Management in Wexford closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.