asked the Minister for Justice if he will immediately have discussions with the Garda Commissioner to increase the number of gardaí in the Ashbourne area of County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
39.
Written Answers. - County Meath Garda Numbers.
34.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide extra gardaí for policing the Ashbourne area of County Meath, having regard to the fact that there is a total of 12 gardaí in the area which is not sufficient to deal with this highly populated town; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
85.
asked the Minister for Justice, in view of the recent serious number of robberies and damage to property in Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin, Ashbourne and Duleek, County Meath if, as a matter of urgency, he will provide extra gardaí in the Garda stations in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 39 and 85 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are aware of the increase in crime in the area of County Meath which is covered by the four stations at Ashbourne, Duleek, Dunboyne and Dunshaughlin. Special measures are being taken to deal with the situation including increased patrolling and the operation of mobile checkpoints. The Garda authorities are not in a position at present to allocate additional Garda manpower to the stations concerned, but the local service is being supplemented by units based at the district headquarters stations at Navan, Balbriggan and Trim.