Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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321. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations that have been closed in each of the years 2012 to 2017 and to date in 2018, by location; the number of Garda stations open in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9495/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that, 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.

In the case of certain stations, many of which were only open part-time and manned by a single Garda, the review determined 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.

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 and the amalgamation of twenty eight Garda districts to fourteen enlarged Garda districts.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the 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. As a result of the Programme, communities have benefited from increased Garda visibility and increased patrolling hours which has enabled An Garda Síochána to deliver an improved policing service to the public.

The stations closed under the 2012 and 2013 Policing Plans are set out below:

The tables below contain details of Garda stations that are currently open in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Roscommon:

Sligo – 11 Garda Stations

Leitrim - 7 Garda Stations

Donegal - 37 Garda Stations

Roscommon - 14 Garda Stations