asked the Minister for Justice the total number of gardai assigned to the Coolock Garda district; the number of these on (i) foot patrol, (ii) motorised patrol at any one time; the total estimated garda presence in the Donaghmeade/Portmarnock areas of County Dublin at any one time; whether he considers these numbers sufficient in view of the development of the area and the plans, if any, for the provision of a Garda station at Portmarnock and at Donaghmeade.
Written Answers. - Coolock (Dublin) Garda Strength.
371.
The present Garda strength of Coolock Garda district is 108. The Garda authorities state that the strength of the district is the maximum that can be provided at present having regard to overall resources and other demands on Garda services. However, the question of increasing Garda strength in the district will be further considered according as additional gardaí, at present being trained, become available for assignment in the coming months.
It would be contrary to established practice and to the public interest to give details of the numbers of gardaí allocated to particular areas or to particular duties at any particular time.
As regards the question of providing new Garda stations at places such as Donaghmede or Portmarnock, it is necessary to examine critically whether a local station is the best way of providing effective policing. The opening of a new station in any area involves not only capital expenditure but the assignment to indoor station duty of gardai who might possibly be better engaged on outdoor Garda work, especially when supported by modern communications systems. The greater use of mobile patrols may, in many cases, provide a more effective service. As essentially the same issues arise ina a number of areas at present, and as certain pilot schemes may have to be introduced for test purposes, it is likely to be some time before any firm decision can be taken in relation to Portmarnock or Donaghmede.