Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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96. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations closed in the Sligo-Leitrim division between January 2008 and January 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9663/16]

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.

During 2011 and 2012, An Garda Síochána completed a comprehensive review of its district and station network. The objective of this review was to identify opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. The review concluded that a revised district and station network commensurate with the organisation’s resource base would best meet public demand. As a result, the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme was implemented in 2012 and 2013. This was reflected in An Garda Síochána’s Policing Plans for 2012 and 2013 which set out the details of the closure of 39 Garda stations in 2012 and 100 Garda stations in 2013.

The closures have allowed front line Garda 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 part of this programme, 12 Garda stations were closed during the period 2012 and 2013 in the Sligo Leitrim Division, as outlined.

Garda stations closed in the Sligo Leitrim Division in 2012:

Garda stations closed in the Sligo Leitrim Division in 2013:

*Manorhamilton District was amalgamated with Carrick On Shannon District on 22^ndApril 2013. The enlarged Carrick on Shannon District was later renamed ‘Leitrim District’ on 23^rdJune 2013.

The Deputy will be aware that, under the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Policing Authority will be asked to oversee a review of, among other things, both the boundaries of Garda districts and the dispersement of Garda stations in rural areas, and in developing urban and suburban areas, with a view to ensuring both an efficient and optimum geographical distribution of stations and minimal response times, including taking account of station closures since 2012.