Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the various Garda stations. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

The Deputy will also be aware that An Garda Síochána do not police on a station basis, but rather on a Divisional basis, and see stations as locations within communities for people to attend, and for resources to be accommodated. Policing for an area will be delivered using all resources in a District/ Community Engagement area and supported by Divisional resources and units.

I am advised that on the 31 January 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there were 601 Garda members and 105 Garda staff assigned to the Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Division.

I am informed that at the end of January, as there were fewer than 10 Garda members permanently assigned to Elphin station and as such an exact number cannot be specified, the opening hours of the station may vary.

I am however advised that when Elphin Garda station is closed, the surrounding area is supported by Castlerea Garda station. I am further advised that Castlerea station is open 7 days a week on a 24 hour basis.

I am informed that at the end of January 2024 there were 33 Garda members assigned to Castlerea Garda station, which includes 21 Gardaí, 10 Sergeants, 1 Inspector and 1 Superintendent. These Garda members are supported by 11 Garda staff.

As the Deputy is aware the rollout by the Garda Commissioner of the new Garda Operating Model is continuing and meets a key recommendation of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

The model, which is now fully operational in Mayo/Roscommon/Longford, is designed to make changes to the structures of An Garda Síochána to provide for more frontline Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area.

Further detailed information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/