John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

121. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Question No. 131 of 2 May 2017, when Barraduff Garda station will be re-opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23080/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and, as Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the policing requirements for the Barraduff Garda sub-District are administered from Killarney Garda station, a distance of approximately 10 miles, and that a liaison Garda for the sub-District has been appointed from Killarney station.

The area is also subject of regular patrols by the Killarney District Patrol car, which operates on a 24/7 basis with additional patrols also conducted by the Divisional Traffic Corps. In addition speed checks, mandatory intoxication tests (MIT) and other checkpoints are also carried out in the area.

I understand that there is extensive community engagement with the local community, with two Community Alert Schemes in place. I am also informed that the local District Officer attended a recent community meeting where the opening times of the station was raised. While the position is kept under constant review, the Garda authorities report that there are no plans at this time to increase the opening hours of the station.

I have been informed that local Garda management in the Kerry Division closely monitor the allocation of all resources, including personnel, when reviewing deployment and allocation of resources within the Division. In this context, due consideration is given to crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District and Divisional level to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.