asked the Minister for Justice (a) the present Garda presence in the town of Swords; (b) the Garda level in 1962 and in 1982; (c) its population in 1962, 1972 and at present; and (d) the proposals there are for all-night policing of the area.
Written Answers. - Swords (Dublin) Garda Strength.
591.
The Deputy will appreciate that Garda strength at any particular station does not necessarily remain constant in any year. Records are maintained on the basis of the numbers serving at each station at the end of each month and the number of gardaí of all ranks assigned to Swords station on 31 October in each of the years 1962, 1972 and 1982 was seven, 13 and 24, respectively. The population served from the station on the corresponding dates is estimated at 8,500, 11,000 and 19,000, respectively.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Swords area is covered on a 24-hour basis by the patrol car based at the local station but that it would not be feasible at present to extend the opening hours of the station having regard to the current strength of the station party. The question of extending these hours will however be reviewed when additional manpower becomes available for allocation to Swords.