Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Nov 1979

Vol. 316 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dún Laoghaire Garda Strength.

19.

Mr. B. Desmond

asked the Minister for Justice the total number of gardaí of each rank stationed at garda stations in the borough of Dún Laoghaire for each year from 1969 to 1979 and if he has any plans to increase the number of gardaí allocated to these stations in view of the general increase in crime in this area.

Mr. G. Collins

Particulars of Garda strength in the four stations in the borough of Dún Laoghaire as at 31 December 1969 to 1978 and as at 30 October 1979 are given in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.

The Garda authorities state that in the case of each of the four stations the current strength is the maximum that can be provided at present having regard to overall resources and other demands on Garda services. The question of increasing the strength at these centres will, however, be further considered according as additional manpower becomes available for assignment.

While it is not of any great significance in the present context, perhaps I should make it clear that the area served by the four stations in the borough is not co-terminous with the borough itself.

Following is the statement:

Dún Laoghaire.

	Chief Superintendent	Superintendent	Inspector	Sergeant	Garda	Total
31/12/69	—	1	2	12	43	58
31/12/70	—	1	2	12	43	58
31/12/71	—	1	3	13	44	61
31/12/72	—	1	3	13	43	60
31/12/73	—	1	3	13	40	57
31/12/74	—	1	3	12	41	57
31/12/75	—	1	3	13	37	54
31/12/76	—	1	3	11	33	48
31/12/77	—	1	3	11	38	53
31/12/78	1	2	3	12	44	62
30/10/79	1	2	3	12	44	62

Blackrock.

	Chief Superintendent	Superintendent	Inspector	Sergeant	Garda	Total
31/12/69	—	—	1	10	36	47
31/12/70	—	—	1	10	36	47
31/12/71	—	—	1	9	39	49
31/12/72	—	—	1	9	38	48
31/12/73	—	—	1	9	37	47
31/12/74	—	—	1	9	36	46
31/12/75	—	—	1	10	31	42
31/12/76	—	—	1	9	32	42
31/12/77	—	—	1	9	36	46
31/12/78	—	1	1	9	36	47
30/10/79	—	1	4	9	39	53

Dalkey.

	Chief Superintendent	Superintendent	Inspector	Sergeant	Garda	Total
31/12/69	—	—	1	4	12	17
31/12/70	—	—	1	4	12	17
31/12/71	—	—	1	4	13	18
31/12/72	—	—	1	4	13	18
31/12/73	—	—	1	5	14	20
31/12/74	—	—	1	5	14	20
31/12/75	—	—	1	5	13	19
31/12/76	—	—	1	5	13	19
31/12/77	—	—	1	4	13	18
31/12/78	—	—	1	5	14	20
30/10/79	—	—	1	5	14	20

Kill-O-Grange.

	Chief Superintendent	Superintendent	Inspector	Sergeant	Garda	Total
31/12/69	—	—	—	5	19	24
31/12/70	—	—	—	5	19	24
31/12/71	—	—	—	5	20	25
31/12/72	—	—	—	5	20	25
31/12/73	—	—	—	6	20	26
31/12/74	—	—	—	5	20	25
31/12/75	—	—	—	4	20	24
31/12/76	—	—	—	5	17	22
31/12/77	—	—	—	5	16	21
31/12/78	—	—	—	5	17	22
30/10/79	—	—	—	5	19	24

Mr. B. Desmond

In view of the fact that the recent census of population has disclosed that there has been a very substantial increase in the population of the Garda district concerned, that great pressure has been brought to bear on the force in the area to deal particularly with motor vehicle situations, and that new gardaí are being recruited, would the Minister agree to allocate some additional staff to the stations in that area? An extra 60,000 people are now living there.

Mr. G. Collins

The increase in the population as shown by the census figures will have to be taken into consideration by the Garda Commissioner when he is allocating additional strength to any part of the country. Having regard to increases in population, and if the crime rate warrants it, they will have to be given preference over other areas.