Justice Minister Publishes 2008 Policing Plan

The Plan lays out the proposed arrangements for the policing of the Irish State in 2008, taking into account the Policing Priorities recently set by the Minister himself.  The Plan also details proposals to realign Regional, Divisional, District and Sub-District boundaries with local authority boundaries.  This is intended to facilitate the establishment and operation of the Joint Policing Committees.

Publishing the Plan, Minister Lenihan said: "The Policing Plan maps out the key objectives and actions required for the effective policing of our towns, cities and communities, the protection of the security of the State and the ongoing modernisation and development of An Garda Síochána in 2008.

"I recently outlined the 2008 policing priorities for An Garda Síochána and highlighted the need to address gun crime, organised crime, drugs and public order. 

"These priorities set clear objectives for An Garda Síochána which the Garda Commissioner has taken into account in making his Policing Plan for 2008.

"These priorities show the focus of this Government in addressing these important areas of policing and crime prevention and detection, and they are backed up by the substantial resources which the Government is continuing to provide to An Garda Síochána. 

"In 2008, its budget will run to over €1.6 billion - an increase of 11% on the 2007 figure."

The proposed boundary changes involve the creation of new Garda Divisions including a new Meath Division and a new Wicklow Division.

In preparation for the boundary changes, the Government recently approved the appointment of two new Chief Superintendents to facilitate the establishment of these Divisions.