Motion on Malahide Garda Station to remain a full time 24hr Garda station

Date: 23/11/2011
Posted by: Darragh

Motion by Senator Darragh O'Brien

The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to confirm that Malahide Garda Station will remain as a 24 hour a day full time station serving the areas of Malahide, Kinsealy and Portmarnock and that the opening hours of this station will not be restricted, or that the station will not be merged with Swords.

The Minister has asked me to thank Senator O'Brien for raising this issue.

It is the case, as with every other public sector organisation, the Gardaí are going to have to manage with reduce resources. The house will also be aware that as part of its compliance with the EU-IMF agreement, Garda numbers are to be reduced.

The Garda Commissioner’s review will examine all aspects of current policing, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations. While no decision has been taken, a reduction in public opening hours in some Garda stations and the closure of other Garda stations will be issues that the Garda Commissioner will need to address as part of the review.

The purpose of this review is to ensure that Garda resources are managed in the most appropriate manner to meet existing policing requirements and to maintain Garda frontline services - which is entirely consistent with Government policy. Clearly an examination of the opening hours, and in some cases the viability of stations forms part of this. In that regard the Garda Commissioner is considering whether efficienies could be introduced through a rationalisation of some Garda stations.

A final decision on whether station closures will take place, and if so what stations, will be taken in the context of the commissioners draft policing plan for 2010.