The new divisions of Wicklow and Wexford will be established on 2 June 2008.
The Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy has announced that the new divisions of Wicklow and Wexford will be established on 2 June 2008.
The two new divisions will replace the current Wexford/Wicklow Division.
The Policing Plan 2008 outlines the Garda Commissioner’s intention to make changes to Garda Divisions and a Project Board was established to oversee the process of finalising and implementing those changes.
Referring to the fact that this is the first step in a restructuring program which aligns the boundaries of eight divisions with those of local authority, the Commissioner said: "This is an opportunity to shape the future of policing in this area. 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".
The Commissioner stressed the importance of ensuring that the community is aware of the changes in the divisions and referred to various communications initiatives in place in the affected divisions which are designed to keep the public, local business, elected representatives and local authorities aware of the changes to the boundaries in their area.
He said: "This is the first 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 with in local areas".
• Under the new arrangements the office of the Chief Superintendent for Wicklow (Chief Superintendent Thomas Conway) will be in Bray with Superintendents’ Offices in Bray, Baltinglass and Wicklow.
The office of the Chief Superintendent for Wexford (Chief Superintendent John Roche) will remain in Wexford Town with Superintendents’ Offices in Wexford, Enniscorthy, Gorey and New Ross.
• The Garda Síochána Policing Plan 2008 outlines the Garda Commissioner’s plans to change Regional and Divisional boundaries to realign Garda geographical areas with local authority boundaries.
• The overall initiative is managed by a Programme Board which is chaired by an Assistant Commissioner from Garda Headquarters.
• The changes will not impact on every division but in areas where new divisions are being created the local Chief Superintendent has established local projects boards to lead the change. The boards include local district officers, representative associations and civilian staff.
• Areas where projects boards have been established include Meath, Wicklow, Kildare, Waterford/Kilkenny, Wexford, Carlow/Kildare, Longford/Westmeath, Louth, Cork North, Roscommon/Galway East, and Galway West.
• The communications activities mentioned include:
~ public meetings
~ residential leaflet drops
~ business leaflet drops
~ articles in local newspapers
~ interviews on local radio
~ Nominated support personnel appointed in each station
Garda Press Office
1800hrs, 1 June 2008.
Ref: 0693/'08.
