Written answers

Tuesday, 8 December 2015

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Station Closures

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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328. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána stations closed and sold from 2011 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44241/15]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances 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.

The Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme implemented in An Garda Síochána during 2012 and 2013 resulted in the closure of 39 Garda stations in 2012 and 100 Garda stations in 2013. I am advised by An Garda Síochána that under the Policing Plan 2015, one station in Co. Clare was closed earlier this year, however, another local station was reopened. The Garda Station at Lisseycasey was closed due to the expiry of its lease and its policing functions were transferred to the reopened Garda Station at Kilmihil, approximately 12km away. I am advised that Kilmihil Station was a new build and originally constructed as a purpose built Garda Station. Its reopening and use facilitated the Office of Public Works in not having to enter into another lease with the associated financial implications.

The Rationalisation Programme was based on a review of the Garda Station Network by Garda management which concluded in relation to certain stations, many of which were only open part-time and manned by a single Garda, that resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front line if those stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained. In reaching these conclusions, Garda management reviewed all aspects of the Garda Síochána policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the overall operation of Garda stations. The Programme supports the provision of a modern 21st century policing service for both urban and rural areas and allows front line Gardaí to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility, and in a more focused fashion, particularly with regard to various targeted police operations. As a result of the Programme, communities have benefitted from increased Garda visibility and increased patrolling hours which has enabled An Garda Síochána to deliver an improved policing service to the public.

The Garda Stations which have been closed were returned to, and are now under the control of, the Office of Public Works (OPW). The future use of such properties is a matter for the OPW as the owners of the properties.

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