asked the Minister for Justice given the fact that three new Garda stations were opened recently in the Cork city area, the reason no additional Garda personnel were assigned to the area concerned.
Written Answers. - Cork Garda Stations.
748.
, Limerick East): The detailed deployment of Garda manpower is a matter for the Garda authorities who have informed me that overall Garda strength in Cork city has been increased by 26 since 1 January 1984 and by seven since the first of the three new stations referred to was opened on 3 August 1984.
The opening of the three new stations resulted in the redeployment of Garda manpower in Cork city with a view to making the best use of resources and improving the policing arrangements for all areas in the city. Two of the stations, i.e. Gurranebraher and Mayfield, were replacement stations for the old stations at Shandon and St. Luke's respectively and in fact the current strength at each of these stations represents a net increase of eight in the number of members who were transferred from the old stations last year. The current strength at Blackrock station, which is an extra station catering for part of the area formerly served from Union Quay station, consists of ten members redeployed from within the Cork City South Garda District and two members assigned there from stations outside the Cork city area.
I am informed that the current strength at the stations in question represents the maximum strength that can be assigned there at present, having regard to other demands on Garda services, but the assignment of extra gardaí to the area will be kept under review by the Garda authorities.