Three new Garda divisions planned

THREE NEW Garda divisions are to be created from two existing ones as part of plans to realign boundaries with those of local authorities.

Commissioner Fachtna Murphy in a statement yesterday said the three new divisions are Waterford, Kildare and Kilkenny/Carlow.

They will replace the current Waterford/Kilkenny and Carlow/ Kildare divisions.

The changes are part of proposals first outlined in the Garda’s policing plans for 2008 and 2009, to realign Garda geographical areas with local authority boundaries. Mr Murphy said “this is an opportunity to shape the future of policing in these areas.

“We are bringing the Garda divisions into line with local authority boundaries so we can work more effectively with joint policing committees and work in partnership with communities to deliver an efficient, focused and professional service to everyone.”

However, Fine Gael justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan said while he welcomed the principle to improve co-ordination with county administrative boundaries, “it won’t result in improved efficiencies with the Garda building programme at a standstill”.

He said that changes in the boundaries required refurbishment of Garda stations particularly where they were dealing with larger populations.

Some stations did not have ‘‘holding cell’’ capacity and required refurbishment “but there is a problem”, Mr Flanagan said, because the building programme had stopped.

The implementation process for these administrative changes is being overseen by a “programme board”, chaired by an assistant commissioner from Garda headquarters.

In his statement the commissioner said a number of initiatives were in place to make the public, local business, public representatives and the local authorities aware of the changes.

Mr Murphy said the latest divisional changes were the fourth phase of an “ambitious but essential project which I am committed to implementing.

Local consultation and local involvement are essential to its success.

“An Garda Síochána is focused on the quality and level of service we can provide to the community. Their needs are our priorities and the new structures will enhance our capacity to respond to their concerns and build strong partnerships within local areas.”

In each of the new divisions the local chief superintendent has established boards to implement the changes.