asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the steps that will be taken by the Garda to ensure there is no double parking or obstructions caused on Sundays along Whitworth Road, Dublin 9, when there are football matches in Croke Park.
Written Answers. - Garda Patrols.
669.
Limerick East): The precise arrangements made for the policing of particular areas is a matter for the Garda authorities having regard to local circumstances, available resources and demands on Garda services.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, on the occasion of matches in Croke Park, every effort is made to police all nearby streets as effectively as possible and that Whitworth Road is one of those that has been and will continue to be given particular attention so far as available resources permit.
670.
asked the Minister for Justice in view of the alarming increase in vandalism and housebreaking in the locality of St. Kevin's parish, Dublin 8, if he will outline the action which can be taken to combat this problem; and if he will arrange to examine the question of providing more Garda patrols on the beat in his locality.
Limerick East): The precise arrangements for the policing of particular areas are a matter for the Garda authorities and the allocation of Garda manpower between foot patrols and other duties in any particular area is a matter for the local Garda officers having regard to available resources, local circumstances and other demands on Garda services.
The Garda authorities inform me that extra gardaí have been assigned to Kevin Street station and that there has been an increase in the level of foot patrolling in the St. Kevin's parish area during the past two months. In addition, the area is receiving regular attention from mobile patrols operated from the local station and by the crime task force based at Harcourt Square. I understand that the local Garda community relations inspector is in regular contact with local residents' associations and that he will be attending a meeting of St. Kevin's Community Council arranged for tomorrow at which crime and vandalism in the area will be discussed.
As regards the incidence of crime in the St. Kevin's parish area, the Garda authorities report that provisional crime figures for 1984 to date show a downward trend in the level of crime in the area as compared with 1983.