asked the Minister for Justice if it is proposed to extend community policing services in Galway city.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway City Community Policing.
4.
I am assuming that in his reference to community policing services the Deputy has in mind schemes such as the Garda "clinic" scheme which operates in the Mervue area of the city, the assignment of designated gardaí to cover specific areas of the city and the neighbourhood watch scheme.
The deployment of the force and the assignment of specific duties to members of the force in any particular area are primarily matters for the Garda authorities. The authorities have informed me that all the community policing services that I have mentioned are operating successfully in Galway city; a Garda "clinic" or office has been set up in Mervue shopping centre and has a garda in attendance for three hours each day, two gardaí have been permanently assigned to specific areas in the east and west sides of the city and a neighbourhood watch scheme has been established in the Salthill area of the city.
With regard to the question of extending these services, arrangements are well advanced for the setting up of a second neighbourhood watch scheme in another part of the Salthill area and it is hoped that further such schemes will be launched in the city in the near future. There are at present no proposals to extend the other two schemes I have referred to as the Garda authorities are satisfied that current arrangements are making the best use of available Garda manpower. All aspect of policing will, however, continue to be kept under review to ensure that Garda resouces are deployed in ways that most effectively meet the needs of the community.
Will the Minister consult the Garda authorities with a view to establishing a second Garda clinic — the Minister's description of the service set up in Mervue shopping centre — for the west side of the city? Will he consult further with the Garda authorities in Galway in regard to the continuing series of late night disturbances which occur on a regular basis in certain parts of the city of which the Garda have been made aware by public representatives such as myself? If there is a need for a greater police presence in these areas late at night, will the Minister ensure this is done so that the residents and tenants can enjoy the peace and contentment of their homes? I am referring to the west side in particular.
Regarding the first part of the question, it has been confirmed to me by the Garda that the operation of their clinic at Mervue has been very useful and successful. As I said, there are no proposals at present to set up another clinic although the matter is being kept under review. With regard to the second part of the supplementary, I will bring the Deputy's concerns to the attention of the Garda authorities who are, as the Deputy knows, already aware of the difficulties being experienced.