asked the Minister for Justice if he will extend the Dublin Metropolitan Garda area to include areas in adjoining counties where there have recently been substantial population increases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Dublin Garda Area.
32.
The Dublin Metropolitan area, as at present constituted, covers Dublin city, Dún Laoghaire, most of County Dublin and also portions of County Wicklow and County Kildare. The commissioner is satisfied that the present arrangements make for the greatest police efficiency, and he does not favour the inclusion of additional districts in adjoining counties. I accept the commissioner's view in this matter.
Would the Minister not agree that there has been substantial increases in population in areas on the Meath border with County Dublin and that many of these areas are now in the process of becoming what could be described as urban and having urban problems in regard to crime prevention? Would he not agree that he should keep this matter under careful review with a view to ensuring that the better facilities available in the Dublin Metropolitan area will be extended to these areas of County Meath as soon as they are necessary?
I shall bring the Deputy's point of view to the notice of the commissioner.