120. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice the plans in place for Garda stations in east Galway that currently have no gardaí assigned to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12713/25]

Sentiment score: 0.11

I raise an issue currently in Galway East around Garda stations that currently have no gardaí assigned to them. These buildings are lying vacant and empty. I mention three in particular, namely, Ardrahan, Eyrecourt and Ahascragh. These Garda stations currently have no gardaí assigned to them. Are there any plans in place to ensure they are staffed and that they serve the communities they were built to serve?

Sentiment score: -0.17

I really appreciate the investment that is being made in An Garda Síochána and I appreciate the drive that is currently taking place to recruit more gardaí. I welcome the fact that those rural stations mentioned will be considered in future allocations. What is important as well is that these are fine buildings and they have an opportunity to provide accommodation for young gardaí. A big issue is that if these buildings are not used, they will fall into disrepair and will not be maintained. I see it right across Galway East where these Garda stations were lived in. They provided a vital service and allowed people to embed themselves in the community. That community policing thing is something that is really important in our constituency because people want to know their local gardaí. They want to be connected to them and they want to know that when they need to access forms or paper work to be signed, they can do so. I really appreciate any commitment that can be given to Galway East Garda stations.

Sentiment score: 0.38

I appreciate it is the Commissioner's role to allocate the divisional split across the country. One idea the Government could consider for the future is, similar to how in Galway County Council we have our rural library scheme whereby people can access books in their community on a weekly basis, we should have a community policing service where a van would go around to every community in Galway East and other constituencies. What would happen is that people could use this at a set time, they would know it would be there and they would be able to access forms, get their passport stamped and get relevant documents sorted. This service is not currently being provided in many rural stations. In east Galway, people currently have to travel to Athenry or to another constituency like Oranmore to access it. If this service was in communities where people knew about it, they would access it. I would appreciate the Minister's consideration of this. Maybe it is something he could raise with the Commissioner as well.

Sentiment score: 0.18