asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the general vandalism and annoyance caused to shopkeepers in the Barry Road shopping centre, Finglas West, Dublin, and if he will consider providing additional Garda patrols in the area.
55.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Finglas West (Dublin) Garda Patrols.
54.
asked the Minister for Justice if he proposes to locate a Garda station in the Finglas West area, Dublin.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together.
I am informed by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána that, while some incidents of vandalism have been occurring at the Barry Road shopping centre, particularly in recent weeks, he is satisfied that the present patrolling arrangements are reasonably adequate for the needs of the area having regard to other demands on police resources. The Commissioner does not consider that extra patrols or the provision of a station in the Finglas West area would be justified at present, but he will keep the situation under review.
I should mention that the crime statistics for the Finglas area for the first six months of this year show a decrease as compared with the corresponding period of 1974.
Would the Minister accept that in respect of another part of the Finglas area where, after much pressure, the Commissioner agreed to the deploying of an additional patrolman, the annoyance has been eliminated? I do not think the Minister has correct information regarding the lack of incidence of vandalism in the area referred to because vandalism is a weekly occurrence there.
I am aware that vandalism is a problem in certain areas of the city. In so far as possible Garda attention to an area that is troubled particularly by vandalism is increased but, essentially, this is a matter for the Commissioner. It is for him to decide how to allocate the manpower available to him. The Deputy has brought the problems of the Finglas area to the attention of the Garda authorities and I shall bring it to the attention of the Commissioner. The problems are under consideration and will be dealt with by the Garda authorities.
Is there not a lesson to be learned from the fact that the vandalism that had continued in the Finglas East area for three or four years could be eliminated by the advent of an additional patrolman?
I am pleased to learn that the incidence of vandalism in the Finglas East area has been reduced. If this situation is due to an additional patrolman, I am sure that the Commissioner would take this into account in relation to Finglas West but it is entirely for him to decide on whether and how many extra men should be utilised in any area.
The remaining questions will appear on tommorrow's Order Paper.