Written answers

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Stations

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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733. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there are plans to increase opening times and personnel in Garda stations located in Ardee, Collon and Dunleer, County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1763/21]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters, deployment of resources and opening times of Garda stations. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table bellow sets out the opening times for Garda Stations located in Ardee, Collon and Dunleer, Co. Louth:

Garda Station Opening Time
Ardee Garda station Daily 9am - 5pm & Evenings 9pm-10pm
Collon Monday to Saturday 10am - 1pm. Sunday 12pm -1pm
Dunleer Between 8am - 6pm for 4 hours on working says. (Depending on roster arrangements)

The opening hours of all Garda stations are kept under ongoing review by Garda management and I have no role in this matter. I am informed that overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda Resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

As the Deputy is aware the allocation and transfer of Garda Personnel is determined by a number of factors, including crime and non-crime workload, minimum establishment, population, area, policing arrangements, operational strategies and transfers applications, including welfare issues. When allocations are taking place, comprehensive consultation is carried out with Local Management during which all factors are taken into consideration. Where a deficiency in resources is identified, the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that at 31 December 2021, there were 393 Gardaí assigned to Louth Division. This is an increase of almost 37% since 2015, when there were 287 Gardaí assigned to the Division.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí stationed in County Louth at 31 December 2021 is as follows:

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The Deputy may also wish to be aware that 157 probationer Gardaí have been assigned to Louth Division since the opening of the Garda college in 2014. 75 probationer Gardaí were assigned to Drogheda District, 68 were assigned to Dundalk District and 14 were assigned to Ardee District.

A detailed breakdown of Garda numbers by Division, District and Station is available on my Department’s website, in the interests of transparency and for the convenience of Deputies and the wider public. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána. The Information on Garda members may be accessed at the following link:

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