(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the concern of the people in the Pinewood, Willow Park and Santry areas of Dublin about the high level of crime, vandalism and house robberies and of the inadequacy of Garda patrol strength and activity in these areas; and if he will take urgent measures to increase the number of gardaí in Ballymun Garda station.
Written Answers. - North Dublin Crime Problem.
655.
Limerick East): The precise arrangements for the policing of particular areas are a matter for the Garda authorities and the allocation of manpower between patrol duty and other duties is a matter for the local Garda officers having regard to available resources, local circumstances and other demands on Garda services.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are aware of the concern of residents of the Pinewood and Willow Park areas of Ballymun and the Oldtown Road area of Santry about crime in their areas. The authorities state that these areas are receiving as much Garda attention as practicable at present having regard to other commitments. One extra garda was assigned to Ballymun station earlier this month and the Garda authorities propose to allocate two more gardaí there at the end of next week. The increased strength of the station party will enable the local Garda officers to improve the patrolling arrangements for Ballymun Garda sub-district generally, including the areas referred to, and the question of further improvements in the policing arrangements for the sub-district will be kept under review.
As regards crime in the part of the Santry area served from Santry Garda station, the Garda authorities report that provisional figures for indictable crime in the Santry Garda sub-district during the first nine months in 1984 indicate a significant reduction in the level of crime in that area as compared with previous years.