Mary Harney
Question:134 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the need for extra Garda foot patrols in the Newcastle area of County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Newcastle (County Dublin) Garda Patrols.
The Newcastle area is policed by the gardaí at Rathcoole station which is three miles away. The present strength of the station is 14 compared to 13 in 1992.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that mobile patrols are carried out in the Newcastle area on a regular basis by the patrol car which is attached to Rathcoole station. Foot patrols are also operated in the village of Newcastle as often as possible. In addition, the anti-crime patrol operating from Naas focuses on crime prevention patrols in the Rathcoole subdistrict, with particular emphasis on Newcastle and Brittas so as to prevent and detect travelling criminals.
The Garda authorities have directed that this unit increase its patrols in the Newcastle area having regard to its overall commitments in the division. The situation is kept under continuous review by the Garda authorities.