asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider the appointment of a resident Garda, if possible, to Tyrrellspass, County Westmeath; if he will have the position examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tyrrellspass (Westmeath) Garda Appointment.
855.
Limerick East): The detailed deployment of Garda manpower is a matter for the Garda authorities and the precise arrangements for policing particular areas are made by or in consultation with the local Garda officers.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they consider that the current arrangement whereby the Tyrrellspass area is served from Rochfortbridge station makes the best use of Garda resources and provides an adequate service. The area also receives attention from uniform and plainclothes units based at Mullingar.
The garda authorities have also informed me that special measures have been taken to combat an increase in crime in the Tyrrellspass area in recent months.
As regards the question of arranging for a garda to reside in Tyrrellspass the position is that, save where official accommodation is provided, the accepted practice in the Garda Síochána is that a member is free to live where he chooses provided he does not live at an unreasonable distance from his station. In the circumstances it would not be feasible to arrange for a garda to reside in Tyrrellspass.