M. J. Nolan
Question:77 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if he will increase the Garda manpower in Leighlinbridge, County Carlow, in view of the level of crime in that area.
Written Answers. - Leighlinbridge (Carlow) Garda Strength.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, while they are not in a position to allocate an extra member full-time to Leighlinbridge station, they have arranged for the sergeant at Muinebheag — 2.5 miles away — to be given special responsibility for the policing of the area. In addition, gardaí from Muinebheag and Carlow stations carry out patrols in the Leighlinbridge area and there are arrangements to provide police cover for Leighlinbridge when the local garda is not on duty.
Overall, the Garda authorities consider that the policing arrangements for Leighlinbridge provide a satisfactory service. The number of indictable crimes reported in the area has fallen in each of the past three years — the provisional total for 1991 is 15.