Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 8

Written Answers. - Meath Garda Deployment.

Mary Wallace

Question:

134 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Justice the current manning levels at Dunboyne Garda station, County Meath; the manning levels at Dunboyne Garda station on 31 December in each of the years from 1990 to 1995; the duties the additional gardaí have been assigned to: if local residents can be assured that there will be an active viability of gardaí in the area on a 24 hour basis in order to combat crime and the ongoing fear among residents with regard to the over-spill of crime from the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7453/96]

Mary Wallace

Question:

135 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Justice the current manning levels at Dunshaughlin Garda station, County Meath; the manning levels at Dunshaughlin Garda station on 31 December in each of the years from 1990 to 1995; the duties the additional gardaí have been assigned to: if local residents can be assured that there will be an active viability of gardaí in the area on a 24 hour basis in order to combat crime and the ongoing fear among residents with regard to the over-spill of crime from the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7454/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 135 together.

The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas. They have informed me that the strengths at Dunboyne and Dunshaughlin Garda stations on 31 December for each of the years from 1990 to 1995 and on 12 April 1996 are as follows:

	Dunboyne	Dunshaughlin
31/12/1990	7	5
31/12/1991	7	6
31/12/1992	9	6
31/12/1993	9	6
31/12/1994	8	6
12/12/1995	12	11
31/4/1996	13	11

I understand from the Garda authorities that on 21 January 1995, five additional gardaí were transferred to Dunboyne Garda station and three to Dunshaughlin Garda station. Prior to this allocation of additional personnel, patrolling of Dunboyne and Dunshaughlin Garda sub-districts after 1 a.m. was performed by the district patrol car based at Trim. At present a 24 hour patrolling service of Dunboyne and Dunshaughlin sub-districts is performed jointly by members from both stations who respond to any incidents that might arise in either sub-district.

The Garda authorities have informed me that they are satisfied that this patrolling service is adequate to ensure the effective policing of both areas.