asked the Minister for Justice if he will give a complete and up-to-date report on the policing arrangements at a Garda station (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Meath Policing Arrangements.
129.
The precise arrangements for the policing of particular areas are a matter for the Garda authorities who have informed me that the resident garda at the station in question retired in June and is due to be replaced as soon as renovation works to the station and official living quarters are completed by the Office of Public Works. The position about these works is being given separately in reply to a written question tabled for answer today by my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
The Garda authorities inform me that the area in question is at present being served by gardaí from a neighbouring station situated five miles away, supplemented as necessary by assistance from the district headquarters. The area is patrolled regularly by day and night by the Garda patrol car based at the neighbouring station and is also covered by the district patrol and detective cars.
I am also informed that the station is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays when it is open from 3 to 5 p.m. to facilitate certification of unemployment benefit and assistance claims. When the station is closed callers may contact the district headquarters for assistance by means of the external radiotelephone, or "Green Man", which can be used at any time of the day or night. The gardaí at the district headquarters are in radio contact with all foot and mobile patrols operating in the district and the most appropriate unit responds to calls for Garda assistance.