Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 3

Written Answers. - East Meath Policing.

Noel Dempsey

Question:

404 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Justice if she intends to request the Garda Commissioner to review his manpower policy in relation to the east Meath coastal area in view of the high levels of crime in this area. [1055/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I recently addressed the issue raised by the Deputy in the course of an Adjournment Debate in the Seanad on 19 December 1995. Official Report, cols. 1773-1776.

The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda personnel to individual areas. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current strength of Laytown station is one sergeant and three gardaí. There is a patrol car allocated to Laytown station and it is utilised in patrolling the sub-district, including the coastal area referred to by the Deputy. Garda coverage in the area is augmented by the district patrol car from Drogheda station. In addition, the traffic corps and detective branch based at Drogheda also patrol the area. I also understand that three additional gardaí were assigned to Drogheda station on 15 December 1995 and this will improve the policing service being provided to the Laytown area.

The Garda authorities have informed me that the District Officer at Drogheda has assigned three gardaí to the full-time investigation of crime in the district, which includes the Laytown sub-district.

I am assured by the Garda authorities that local Garda management continually review the policing arrangements in place for Laytown sub-district with a view to ensuring that optimum use is made of all available resources to prevent and detect crime in the area.