Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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408. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations open in the Meath Garda division in each year since 2009; and the name of each. [35443/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations, taking into account crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.  Further, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.  As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda estate currently includes 565 Garda Stations, following the official opening of the new Western Region Headquarters, Galway in July 2018.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the Meath Division currently comprises 16 Garda stations as follows: Ashbourne, Athboy, Ballivor, Duleek, Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin, Enfield, Kells, Laytown, Longwood, Navan, Nobber, Oldcastle, Slane, Summerhill and Trim.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme developed and implemented in 2012 and 2013 resulted in the closure of some 139 Garda stations nationwide.

I understand that 2 Garda stations in Meath Division were closed as part of that rationalisation programme, as follows: Crossakiel and Kilmessan (closed in 2013).

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the closures implemented nationally under the rationalisation programme 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.