The Second Interim Report published by Gardaí this morning reveals that officials are planning on re-opening six Garda stations across the country.
Between 2012 and 2013, 139 Garda stations were closed across the country.
The report, put together by Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll, outlines four suggested stations in Donegal:
- Culdaff
- Dunkineely
- Malin
- Na Brocaacha/Cloghan
Whilst deciding which six to reopen, the Government have asked to ensure that there is a mix or urban and rural, and that at least one station be located in County Dublin.
The Northern Region is made up of Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo.
With specific regard to the Northern Region they say:
“While the assistant commissioner with responsibility for the Northern Region advised Gleann Cholm Cille and Min an Láháin Co Donegal are the only two stations that should be considered for reopening, unfortunately both premises have been subject of disposal by the Office of Public Works.”
The review takes into account:
- the changing environments in rural, developing urban and suburban areas
- the views of local communities
- the allocation of Garda resources and their deployment at the local policing level including the use of the Garda Reserve, Garda facilities, and Garda equipment; and
- relevant recommendations made in previous inspectorate reports.
The Garda Síochána Analysis Service also need to take into account other factors while making their decision; including the percentage change in population by electoral division, crime related statistics, proximity to third-level institutes etc.
Population change varied throughout the country, with Donegal being the lowest with -1.5% over the past five years.
Following this, the Garda Síochána Analysis Service has begun extensive research into the crime trends and relevant CSO statistics regarding relevant areas within Donegal in advance of a decision being made regarding the opening of any Garda station in the area.
Over €200 million has been secured to invest in advanced Information Technology systems to enable personnel within the Garda Síochána to spend less time on paperwork, and more time with the local communities. This includes real-time information on mobile devices, allowing Gardaí to react “more speedily” to events.
These proposals will be detailed under the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme, which will be submitted for consideration later this month.
In Dublin, the Assistant Commissioner who has responsibility for Dublin Metropolitan Region has recommended that Stepaside Garda Station be the Dublin station considered for reopening in the course of the relevant pilot project.
In a statement concerning the report, Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan TD says it is best to publish the report earlier than planned due to rumours.
“While in the normal course it would be appropriate and usual to wait for the final report before publication, in the light of misleading public comment and baseless assertions, which continue to be made, I have concluded that it would now be in the public interest to make this interim report available.
“I am of the view that the public interest is best served by the immediate publication of the report,” concluded the Minister.
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