Vol. 449 No. 8
100 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice if she will accede to the request of Leixlip Town Commissioners for the establishment of a Garda Station in Leixlip, the twentieth largest town in Ireland; if she will meet the Commissioners to discuss the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4670/95] 100.
A Garda sub-station was officially opened in Leixlip in 1991 and is open to the public from 12.30 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 7.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday. There are no plans to change these arrangements, which ensure that the maximum number of gardaí are available for outdoor policing duties in Leixlip rather than being confined to administrative tasks at the sub-station.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Leixlip forms part of the Ballyfermot district and receives a 24 hour police service from Lucan Garda station. On 7 March 1994 the Garda authorities assigned a sergeant and two extra gardaí for the purpose of policing the Leixlip area bringing the overall number of gardaí allocated exclusively to policing duties in Leixlip to one sergeant and six gardaí. The policing of the area is also augmented by mobile patrols from within the Ballyfermot district.
The Garda authorities are satisfied that the present arrangements are adequate to meet the policing needs of the Leixlip area and do not envisage the establishment of a Garda station in Leixlip. However, the future adequacy of those resources will be kept under review by Garda management. I am not aware of a request for a meeting but if the Leixlip Town Commissioners wish to contact my office this will be favourably considered.
