Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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300. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will address concerns regarding reports of the closure of a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42096/18]

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. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Nobber Garda Station forms part of the Navan Garda District in the Meath Division. I am advised by the Commissioner that the Garda strength of the Meath Division on the 31 August 2018, the latest date for which figures are readily available was 315, of whom 104 members are assigned to the Navan District and 3 members are assigned to Nobber Garda Station. There are also 15 Garda Reserves and 29 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are no plans to close Nobber Garda Station.