Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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124. 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 in which other Garda stations in the area will adjust to meet the needs of the communities once stations have closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31688/16]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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125. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to address the shortage of members of An Garda Síochána in rural areas, particularly in the context of the closure of Garda stations in such areas; if it is proposed to put in place appropriate mobile patrols and other such measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31689/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.

The Deputy will be aware that some 139 Garda stations were closed on foot of the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme, which was implemented in 2012 and 2013, following the completion by An Garda Síochána of a comprehensive review of its district and station network. As the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources at her disposal, the review was undertaken with the objective of identifying 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. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that these closures 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.

The Programme for a Partnership Government commits the Government to asking the Policing Authority to oversee a review of, amongst other things, both the boundaries of Garda districts and the dispersement of Garda stations in rural areas. In addition, the Government is committed to launching a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. I have asked the Authority to initiate the proposed review and I have previously stated that I will put the results of the review before the House.

In relation to the proposed pilot scheme, I have requested the Garda Commissioner, while fully cognisant of her statutory functions in relation to the distribution of Garda resources in the State, to identify for reopening 6 stations that were closed under the Garda Síochána District and Station Rationalisation Programme.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Programme recognises that community policing is the embodiment of An Garda Síochána, providing a means of recognising that every community, both urban and rural, has its own concerns and expectations. It commits the Government to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in every community, including the most minimal response times possible.

In this context, I would draw the attention of the Deputy to the significant investment of some €46 million in the Garda Fleet under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021 which provides An Garda Síochána with additional high-powered vehicles, marked and unmarked patrol cars, and motorcycles to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime. Indeed, since the beginning of the year, some 520 new vehicles have come on stream for use by An Garda Síochána.