Written answers

Tuesday, 4 July 2017

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Station Closures

Photo of Bobby AylwardBobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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270. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the garda stations closed in counties Carlow and Kilkenny in 2012 and 2013 are included in the six stations examined for reopening under the pilot programme report which was due to be furnished by the Garda Commissioner to his epartment by the end of May 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30824/17]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána District and Station Rationalisation Programme gave rise to the closure of some 139 Garda stations, including Garda stations in counties Carlow and Kilkenny, in 2012 and 2013, following the completion by An Garda Síochána of a comprehensive review of its district and station network. That 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. I have been advised by the Garda authorities that 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 targeted police operations.

The Programme for Government commits the Government to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. A cornerstone of this commitment is the Government plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. Revisiting the decisions made to close Garda stations is also part of that commitment.

In this context, the Government on 24 June 2016 authorised the then Minister to request the Garda Commissioner, while fully cognisant of her statutory functions, to identify 6 stations for reopening on a pilot basis to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.

On 13 June 2017, the Government considered the second interim report of the Garda Commissioner in relation to the exercise. The Commissioner has indicated that, amongst other things, she is likely, subject to further analysis, to recommend the reopening of Leighlinbridge station in her final report.

Following any decision to reopen the former station, the Garda authorities will work closely with the Office of Public Works in relation to any necessary preparatory works required to progress the reopening.

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