asked the Minister for Justice the number of patrol cars in the Trim, County Meath, Garda district; and if he will increase this number.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Garda Strength.
52.
There are two radio-equipped patrol cars allocated to the Trim garda district, in addition to two official motor cycles.
The Commissioner is satisfied that the district is adequately served by official transport and it is not proposed to allocate an extra patrol car there.
Is the Minister aware that it is very difficult to get a patrol car to the remote areas in this district? I have in mind, in particular, the village of Dunboyne which is on the verge of the Dublin metropolitan district. On numerous occasions it has proved difficult to get a car to this area from Trim. Would the Minister query again the report he received and ensure there are enough cars in this area?
Most rural Garda districts have one car but there are two in this particular area so that Trim is better off in this respect than other places.
Would the Minister not agree that this area gets a crime overflow from Dublin?
I would not agree.
We are not that bad up here.
53.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will increase Garda strength at Kilmessan, County Meath.
The Commissioner has informed me that it is not intended to increase the strength of the Kilmessan Garda station.
As I have stated previously in reply to Parliamentary Questions, I am having a general review carried out of the distribution of the force throughout the country. Police arrangements in the Kilmessan area are being examined as part of this review.
Is the Minister aware that there is only one garda at this station to cover this widely dispersed rural area and that this man cannot cope with the problems without enough help?
The station is situated only six miles from the district headquarters at Trim. Adequate attention can be given, from Trim, to this area which is quite small.