Following today’s statement from the Minister for Justice and Equality regarding the Garda Vote, the Garda Commissioner has reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service to the community.
Speaking at Garda Headquarters he said:
"Like every other part of the public service, An Garda Síochána has had to take a detailed look at how we do our business in order to find savings within a reduced budget and in order to provide a policing service with greater efficiency.
Our examination covers every aspect of policing activity including courts, escorts, protection posts, training, civilianisation, specialisation as well as the opening hours of Garda stations both in Dublin and across the country.”
Referring specifically to the examination of the Garda Station network the Garda Commissioner said:
"All Divisional Officers were asked to assess the levels of activity in each Garda station in their area. Arising from that 31 Garda stations across the country will close and a further eight stations which are currently non-operational will be formally closed. Ten stations will have their opening hours reduced. We have decided that resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the frontline if those particular stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained.
In the coming months local garda management in places where a station will close will consult with local communities to determine how best to continue to deliver a policing service in their area.”
Concluding the Garda Commissioner reiterated An Garda Síochána’s commitment to providing a professional and effective policing service within the prevailing economic conditions:
"An Garda Síochána is not immune from the harsh economic realities which are impacting on the community and the public sector. Like everyone else we must continue to find efficiencies and still provide a professional service. Our commitment is to maintain operational effectiveness and resilience but in order to do that work must be prioritised and some hard decisions must be made.
There is a challenge there for us in managing public expectations and explaining that while a policing service may not always be provided in the same way as it was in the past, it is no less effective and our commitment to the community is not diminished.
We can never over emphasise the importance of our partnership with the community in preventing and detecting crime and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. Our pledge is to continue to invest time and energy in those partnerships and relationships to the benefit of all.”
Note:
The 31 Garda stations which are to be closed during 2012 are as follows:
Dublin Metropolitan Region (4) - Rush, Whitehall, Dalkey and Harcourt Terrace.
Western Region (8) - Corrandulla in Galway; Glenisland, Tourmakeady, Mulranny and Bellacorrik in Mayo; Loughglynn and Cootehall in Roscommon/Longford; Carrigaholt in Clare.
Southern Region (10) - Shanagolden and Doon in Limerick; Glenville in Cork North; Knocknagree, Ballyfeard, Goleen and Inchigeela in Cork West; Ballylongford, Moyvane and An Clochán in Kerry.
Northern Region (8) - Clontibret and Smithborough in Monaghan; Tullyvin in Cavan; Culdaff and Dunkineely in Donegal; Kiltyclogher, Bunnanadden and Drumkeeran in Sligo /Leitrim.
South Eastern Region (1) - Baldwinstown, Wexford.
The eight Garda stations which are already non-operational and which will not re-open are: Castletownsend and Ballygurteen in Cork West; Ballinure and Ballinderry in Tipperary; Ballywilliam in Wexford; Doochary in Donegal; Geashill in Laois/Offaly and Tarmonbarry in Roscommon/Longford.
Public opening hours of the following stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region will be reduced: Cabinteely, Stepaside, Kill O’ the Grange, Sundrive, Terenure, Cabra, Malahide, Santry, Howth, and Donnybrook. These stations are currently open to the public on a 24-hour basis and will, in future, be closed to the public between 10.00pm and 8.00am.
