asked the Minister for Justice if it has been decided toclose the Garda Station at Newmarket, Dublin, which has had the responsibility for policing the area known as the Liberties of Dublin for over a century; and, if so, if he will state the reason, and whether it is proposed to have a new station erected in the immediate vicinity before the existing one is closed.

The answer to the first part of the question is that it is proposed to close Newmarket Station and it is not proposed to erect a new station in its place.

The reason for this decision is that the district can be adequately policed from Kevin Street, which is not much more than a quarter of a mile away.

The closing of Newmarket Station will save man-power, which can be used to provide additional patrols which are badly needed.