John Bruton
Question:29 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice the steps, if any, that she will take to improve the Garda presence in Ballivor in view of the recent spate of armed robberies in the area.
Written Answers. - Ballivor (Meath) Garda Strength.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current manpower at Ballivor station is one sergeant and one Garda. The patrol car based at Athboy station is available to the gardaí at Ballivor when required and the area is also patrolled by the District Detective Branch car and uniform patrol cars. The Garda station is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, except Sunday.
To say that there has been a "spate of armed robberies" in the area recently would appear to be at variance with the facts. The Garda authorities inform me that one armed robbery was reported in Ballivor on 27 August last. This case is under investigation. There have been a total of seven crimes reported in the sub-District so far this year as compared to a total of 18 in 1992.
The Garda authorities continually monitor and review the policing arrangements in the Kells District to ensure that all manpower and resources are used to the maximum advantage to the whole District, including Ballivor.