The Garda authorities do not accept the suggestion in the question that there has been a general break down in law and order in Rathcoole and I must say that I do not regard alarmist claims of this kind to be helpful in the fight against crime. The fact of the matter is that there was a reduction of some 13 per cent in the overall level of crime in Rathcoole over the past three years and the local gardaí are using every endeavour to see to it that this favourable trend continues. While the number of crimes reported in the subdistrict in the first two months of this year shows an increase on the corresponding period in 1990, the Garda authorities inform me that measures are being taken to deal with the situation including the operation of mobile checkpoints. There is also, I am glad to say, a very effective neighbourhood watch scheme in operation and continuing co-operation between representatives of the scheme and the local gardaí.
In relation to the strength of the local station party, I am informed that the question of assigning additional manpower there will be kept under review as additional manpower become available. I might mention that the Rathcoole patrol car formerly had considerable responsibilities also for patrolling of the Maynooth and Celbridge areas. Since the allocation of patrol cars to those centres, the Rathcoole car has been able to devote more attention to patrols in the Rathcoole area leading to an enhanced Garda presence in the subdistrict.
Rathcoole station was open on a 24 hour basis up to 1987 when the opening hours were reduced by the Garda authorities to allow a greater Garda presence on outdoor patrol duties. The Garda authorities are satisfied that to reintroduce 24 hour opening would be a retrograde step. It would necessitate a reduction in patrols by the local gardaí which would not be in the interests of the local community. What the Garda regard as important is not the opening hours of the station, but the maximum possible deployment of the available manpower on outdoor crime prevention and detection duties.
